KARACHI: Central Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Friday said the deterioration of Karachi could not be attributed solely to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging that the establishment was equally responsible for imposing, what he termed, “corrupt and incompetent rulers” on the people.
Addressing an inauguration ceremony for development projects in Bahadurabad Union Council-7 under Jinnah Town including the opening of Shaheen Family Park and newly constructed roads and streets, he said the public had become politically aware and had recognised the power of its vote.
“Our objective in the next elections is not only to secure the public mandate, but also to safeguard it,” he said, adding that any attempt to undermine the people’s mandate would face strong public resistance.
The JI leader said the party was striving for systemic change rather than a mere change of faces. He criticised what he termed an unjust system rooted in dynasties, inheritance and vested interests, arguing that despite changes in leadership over the past 78 years, the condition of the people had not improved.
He said the time had come to intensify efforts for a complete transformation of the system to establish a just order that could ensure justice, development and prosperity.
Criticizing the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), he claimed the party had failed to win even a single polling station in the general elections but was still imposed on the people, which he described as an affront to democracy and the public mandate. He also criticised alleged manipulation of election results.
Turning to the PPP government in Sindh, he alleged the party had remained in power for 18 years and “swallowed Rs3.36 trillion belonging to Karachi’s residents.” He said the provision of basic facilities was the state’s responsibility and should not be left to charities, alleging the government shielded itself behind NGOs, particularly in health and other basic sectors.
The ceremony was also addressed by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation opposition leader Saifuddin Advocate, JI district chief Engineer Abdul Aziz, Jinnah Town chairman Rizwan Abdul Samie and UC chairman Saleem Umar.
Speaking on the occasion, Saifuddin congratulated the residents of Bahadurabad and the UC chairman for supporting JI and strengthening what he termed the journey of public service. He criticised the PPP leadership in Sindh, alleging corruption and faulting Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab for making announcements without delivering tangible results.
A large number of residents, including women, children, elderly citizens and youth, attended the event and appreciated the efforts of JI’s local government representatives.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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