LAHORE: Chief ofJamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman on Saturday said the country was facing a combination of severe challenges, including soaring inflation, political instability, terrorism, unrest in Balochistan and the deteriorating situation in Azad Kashmir, urging the adoption of a serious national strategy to address the crises.
While addressing the opening session of the JI’s two-day Central Majlis-e-Shura meeting at Mansoorah, he said JI would not remain a silent spectator and was prepared to play an active role in addressing the country’s pressing issues.
Rehman stressed that strengthening public outreach and expanding the JI’s influence at the grassroots level would remain a key priority.
Turning to international affairs, he said the extraordinary sacrifices and resilience of the Palestinian people had shattered the long-held perception of the United States and Israel as invincible powers.
“The credit belongs to the Palestinian people, whose steadfastness has broken the myth of invincibility,” he said.
He added the Iranian nation had also demonstrated unity and resilience, disproving claims that the country was internally divided. He added that the conduct of US President Donald Trump during the conflict had not only damaged his own credibility but had also made the United States a subject of ridicule on the international stage.
Referring to the country’s internal situation, the JI chief expressed concern over what he said“the worsening law and order situation in Balochistan”, saying the JI had made consistent efforts to contribute to stability in the province.
He noted that the JI had launched its BanoQabilprogramme at four locations in Balochistan to provide young people with educational and professional opportunities.
“Jamaat-e-Islami cannot remain silent or irrelevant on the issue of Balochistan,” he said, adding that the JI would continue to play its role for peace, development and political stability in the province.
Speaking on Azad Kashmir, Rehman described the situation as deeply troubling, saying that the democratic process had been weakened despite the initial acceptance of several demands raised by the Joint Awami Action Committee.
He said that subsequent political developments, including an overnight change in the legislative assembly and the appointment of a prime minister lacking broad political backing, had further aggravated the situation.
He criticised“the policy of coercion” instead of dialogue with the Action Committee, warning that such an approach was increasing public frustration. He said JI had acted responsibly on the issue rather than engaging in political point-scoring and would continue to formulate its policy through consultation.
The JI Amir also voiced concern over the resurgence of terrorism in the country, saying Afghanistan must ensure that its territory was not used for attacks against Pakistan. At the same time, he urged Islamabad to take practical and sincere steps to improve bilateral relations with Kabul, saying stable ties between the two neighbouring countries were essential for regional peace.
Highlighting Pakistan’s economic challenges, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said soaring prices of petroleum products, electricity, gas and essential commodities had placed an unbearable burden on ordinary citizens. He said the poor were struggling to meet even their basic needs, adding that the JI would formulate an effective public campaign to seek relief for the masses.
He urged JI workers to strengthen the party’s presence in every sphere of public life, including religious outreach, politics and social service, so that it emerged as a more effective and relevant force. He also warned against the resurgence of ethnic divisions in the country and called on state institutions to review their policies to preserve national cohesion.
The JI chief directed JI leaders and workers across the country to launch local public outreach campaigns and protest marches, citing the recent march organized in Bahawalnagar as a model for highlighting and resolving local issues. He also instructed the JI leaders and workers to prepare vigorously for next month’s cantonment board elections and begin organisational preparations for future local government elections, despite delays in holding them in many parts of the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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