Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced that he will initiate contacts with leaders of political and religious parties over the issue of sending Pakistani troops to Gaza, declaring that the rulers' unilateral decision in deviation from national policy will not be accepted by the nation.
Addressing a large Friday congregation at Mansoorah's Jamia Masjid, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the proposed move reflected a clear departure from Pakistan's established national policy. He warned that US President Donald Trump's proposed 'Gaza Peace Board' would further endanger global peace rather than promote stability.
He strongly criticized the government's policies, stating that Pakistan had already suffered immensely over the past 25 years due to participation in the so-called US-led war against terrorism. He said the tribal areas remain insecure, the national economy has suffered losses amounting to billions of dollars, foreign intelligence agencies such as RAW and the CIA established bases in the country, and thousands of innocent civilians and security personnel lost their lives.
The JI chief urged both the government and opposition parties to place their trust in Allah rather than seeking the pleasure of Donald Trump. He said national policies should be formulated in accordance with national dignity and interests instead of appeasing the United States. He emphasized that America is no one's friend except Israel and warned that sending troops to Gaza would amount to endorsing Israeli actions.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman further questioned Pakistan's possible participation in the proposed Gaza Peace Board, stating that it would imply Pakistani rulers sitting at the same forum as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He noted that several countries, including Pakistan, still stage walkouts during speeches by Israeli representatives at the United Nations, making such participation highly questionable.
The JI Emir appreciated the stance of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the Gaza troops issue, terming it commendable, and called upon other opposition parties to come forward openly. He said Trump speaks in a 'God-like tone' and described the United States as the world's biggest oppressor, holding it responsible for the failure of the United Nations due to its repeated vetoes of UN resolutions.
He also criticized the interest-based national economy, expensive IPP agreements, bureaucratic dominance, dynastic politics, the deteriorating situation in Karachi and Sindh, and what he termed the anti-public local government system in Punjab. He urged the nation to support Jamaat-e-Islami in its struggle to replace the outdated system, asserting that Islam's just system alone could address humanity's suffering.
Referring to the hardships faced by residents of Tirah Valley, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman reiterated that military operations are not a solution to problems and called upon the rulers to review their policies related to such operations.