Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, has stated that the current situation in the country is extremely concerning. The government is in panic, and under the pretext of law and order, it has resorted to shameful tactics. Residents of Islamabad have been confined for two days, and practically all of Punjab has been sealed off. Democratic freedoms should be upheld, and peaceful protest is the constitutional right of every political party. The army should not be positioned against the people. We demand that the government normalize the situation. At a time when Zionist atrocities in Gaza have crossed all limits, with 43,000 people martyred and millions living in tents as refugees, and Israel expanding the war in Gaza to Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen, the Pakistani government should have taken practical steps to help the besieged people of Gaza. An Islamic countries’ conference should have been convened, but instead, the government has begun to oppress its own people, which is unacceptable in any way. Jamaat-e-Islami has made efforts to create unity among all government and opposition parties on the issue of Gaza. On October 7, a nationwide “Palestinian Solidarity Day” will be observed, with Gaza Million Marches planned in Karachi on October 6 and Islamabad on October 7. We appeal to the nation to come out of their homes, offices, schools, and colleges at 12 noon on Monday to express solidarity with the Palestinians. He expressed these views during a press conference at Mansoorah, where Naib Amirs Liaqat Baloch, Dr. Usama Razi, Secretary-General Ameer-ul-Azeem, and Information Secretary Qaiser Sharif were also present.
The Ameer of Jamaat said that the government is the product of rigging and Form 47, and this so-called government must understand that it has no moral or democratic legitimacy. What is happening today did not even occur during martial law periods. The whole of Punjab is troubled, roads are blocked, and containers have been placed in major cities to restrict the movement of people. Tear gas is being fired at protesters. The rulers must come to their senses. The deployment of the army under the cover of the SCO conference is an inappropriate step. When the conference is held, the army can be deployed for security.
In response to a question, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said that KPK Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur should not be arrested and should focus on his province. Answering another question, he stated that the judicial decision on Article 63 is unacceptable and tantamount to the murder of democracy. He expressed his confusion about how the superior court could give such a decision, saying it’s akin to permitting theft and then stating that the situation will be addressed after the theft occurs. He further mentioned that at a time when the Chief Justice is about to retire, the introduction of constitutional amendments related to the establishment of a constitutional court and other amendments concerning the Supreme Court is beyond comprehension. Jamaat-e-Islami has advised opposition parties to reject the proposed constitutional amendment in its entirety rather than delving into its specifics. Debating the specifics of the proposed amendment will only benefit the government, and this discussion can take place after the current Chief Justice retires.
In response to a question about Nawaz Sharif, he said that it is incomprehensible for the former Prime Minister to claim that things are not going right at a time when his younger brother is the Prime Minister, his daughter is the Chief Minister, and his son-in-law is the Deputy Prime Minister.
The Ameer of Jamaat stated that Jamaat-e-Islami has contacted the government to build solidarity on the issue of Gaza, despite the fact that we do not recognize the government and are protesting against it over issues such as the IPPs agreements and the need to reduce electricity, gas, and petrol prices. We have also met with PPP leaders, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, and the leadership of other parties. Our goal is clear: to send a unified message to the people of Palestine that Pakistan stands with you.