Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly criticized the proposed constitutional amendment regarding the Supreme Court, calling it an “attack on the constitution.” He urged the opposition to reject the amendment entirely, stating, “Debating its details only serves to bolster the government. Any vote in favor will be viewed as a tool of the establishment.”
Hafiz Naeem also called on the government to terminate contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) connected to the military, bureaucracy, and the Sharif family. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to provide immediate relief to the public by reducing electricity bills next month, highlighting potential savings of Rs411 billion if five IPP contracts were canceled.
Speaking at a rally in Gujrat, he remarked, “The military and civilian bureaucracy must relinquish their privileges, as the public can no longer bear the burden of the ruling class’s excesses.” He emphasized that JI has brought to light the issue of IPP profiteering, which would have otherwise gone unchecked.
Hafiz Naeem lamented the fact that Pakistan’s resources have been controlled by an elite class for the past 77 years and called for a decisive movement against this dominance. He encouraged the public to support JI’s “Haq Do Tehreek,” aimed at delivering relief to the masses. Additionally, he announced the launch of the “Bano Qabil Programme” on November 3, which will offer free IT training to one million youth and teachers.
During his speech, he criticized previous governments, saying, “Whether it was ‘Roti, Kapra, Makan’ or ‘Naya Pakistan’, the hopes of the nation have been betrayed.” He accused political leaders of pursuing personal interests at the expense of the public.
He specifically targeted Pakistan’s elite, asserting that landowners and feudal lords, with support from local and global establishments, have long avoided paying taxes while shifting the burden onto the public. “Electricity bills are loaded with multiple taxes, and IPPs not only receive capacity payments but also enjoy tax exemptions. Meanwhile, the people are deprived of basic necessities,” he stated.
On the topic of inheritance rights, Hafiz Naeem vowed that JI would ensure women receive their rightful shares upon coming to power, warning that any civil, military officer, or politician who withholds these rights from their daughters or sisters would face consequences.
He concluded his address by calling for Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to voluntarily announce his retirement, irrespective of the amendment’s fate, and urged for the official notification of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s appointment. The rally saw notable participation from women and families, along with JI leaders from northern Punjab, including Dr. Tariq Saleem, Qaiser Sharif, and Choudhry Ansar Mahmood Dhoul.
