JI Shura voices alarm over terrorism, economic crisis, Gaza war
LAHORE: The Central Majlis-e-Shura of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, chaired by JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, expressed deep concern over the persistent wave of terrorism in the country and stressed that dialogue, not military operations, remains the only sustainable solution to the crisis.
In a unanimously adopted resolution, the Shura declared that prolonged military operations have failed to bring lasting peace, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and warned that the province could no longer afford further armed campaigns. It urged political forces to unite in ensuring constitutional supremacy and limiting all institutions strictly within their constitutional mandates.
The Shura emphasized that inconsistent policies, short-term arrangements, and double standards have weakened state authority and provided extremist groups opportunities to regroup. It called upon Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve bilateral tensions through dialogue, noting that militancy, including threats posed by TTP and Daesh Khorasan, was a shared challenge requiring coordinated efforts instead of mutual blame.
Expressing serious concern over the ongoing military operation in Tirah amid harsh winter conditions, the Shura demanded its immediate suspension. It called for the safe and dignified return of displaced families and full compensation for their losses, reaffirming that lasting peace is only achievable through justice, public trust, and respect for constitutional and fundamental rights. The Shura also warned that the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan was largely the result of governance failures and excessive use of force. It urged the government to address public grievances, recover missing persons, recognize Baloch rights, engage with genuine local leadership, halt coercive policies, and create employment opportunities for youth, cautioning that continued neglect could further destabilize the province.
On the economic front, the Shura declared the ongoing crisis as a consequence of flawed governance, weak policies, and systemic failure. It criticized reliance on indirect taxation, cuts in development spending, and burdening salaried classes, while ignoring structural reforms and curbing lavish state expenditures. It noted that debt servicing had severely constrained spending on education, health, and social welfare, and identified the interest-based financial system as a core cause of economic distress.
The Shura further highlighted disconnect between the education system and national economic needs, resulting in unemployment and brain drain. It urged immediate focus on agricultural research, energy policy, minerals, precious stones, medicinal plants, and marine resources, strongly opposing policies discouraging affordable and clean solar energy.
Regarding Gaza, the Shura appealed to the international community, the UN Security Council, and especially its permanent members to ensure a genuine and permanent ceasefire, open all crossings including Rafah, and halt the massacre of civilians. It demanded independent investigations into war crimes and urged Muslim countries to fulfil their responsibility under international law, including the enforcement of arrest warrants issued against Israeli leadership.
The Shura reiterated its firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and warned against any foreign military deployment in Gaza under the guise of peacekeeping, calling it a highly dangerous step.
Finally, the Shura demanded the introduction of transparent performance benchmarks, public scorecards, and result-based accountability for elected representatives and senior officials to ensure effective governance and public trust.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026