LAHORE: Chief Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has said that the younger generation holds the key to challenging global oppression and dismantling the entrenched alliance of civil-military bureaucracy and feudal elites in Pakistan.
Addressing a large youth gathering organised by Alkhidmat Foundation under its Gen Z–Connect programme in Lahore, he urged young people to use the power of social media and organised struggle to resist injustice and outdated systems.
Rehman criticised former US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, saying he speaks “in a God-like tone,” adding that imperialist and tyrannical global systems can only be confronted by an aware and united youth. He said that if voices raised against injustice are ignored, young people must organise peacefully and struggle collectively for systemic change.
The JI chief said the so-called democratic order prevailing in the world is deceptive, pointing to continued human rights violations in India that are ignored by global powers. He contrasted this with the international outcry over even minor incidents in Pakistan. He condemned US and Western support for Israeli aggression in Gaza, saying Western powers are using technology to maintain global dominance while multinational corporations exploit humanity. “Less than 20 percent of the world’s population has effectively held the remaining 80 percent hostage,” he remarked.
Referring to Pakistan’s internal challenges, Rehman said the legacy of colonial loyalists still dominates the country, while drugs have penetrated educational institutions. He lamented that not only education but even sports opportunities are now being sold for money, leaving the youth disillusioned.
In this context, he described the Gen Z–Connect initiative by Jamaat-e-Islami and Alkhidmat Foundation as a historic step for youth empowerment. He said the programme aims to provide IT and technical training, introduce interest-free loans for small businesses in the near future, promote moral development, and create opportunities for youth in sports. He urged young people not to lose hope but to resist the ruling elite through Jamaat-e-Islami’s organised and peaceful platform.
Calling the world a “global village,” Rehman encouraged Pakistani youth to build connections with humanitarian-minded people worldwide and raise their voices against exploitation through social media.
He congratulated Alkhidmat Foundation on organising the event and appreciated the active participation and discussions by young attendees. “Questioning reflects a fertile mind,” he said, adding that Islam itself encourages reflection and critical thinking, and urged youth to strengthen their relationship with faith.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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