Hafiz Naeem questions Rs11bn aircraft purchase

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has criticised the government over rising prices and the country’s

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has criticised the government over rising prices and the country’s economic situation. He claimed that the government had failed to provide sufficient relief to the public.

Speaking to protesters at the Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in at Lahore’s Charing Cross on Mall Road, Hafiz Naeem said the protest had entered its ninth day. He said public participation in the demonstration was increasing.

Hafiz Naeem claimed that despite the country’s difficult economic conditions, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had purchased an aircraft worth Rs11 billion. He questioned the government’s spending priorities at a time when ordinary citizens were struggling with rising living costs.

The JI chief also criticised the pricing of petroleum products. He alleged that oil companies were being given excessive margins on petrol prices. He said the additional burden was ultimately being passed on to consumers.

Hafiz Naeem said the public was already facing serious financial difficulties. He also criticised the increase in perks and privileges for the bureaucracy. He argued that government officials should not receive additional benefits while citizens were struggling to manage their household expenses.

He announced that Jamaat-e-Islami would give a call for a nationwide strike on 13 Rabi-ul-Awwal. He further said a countrywide strike would be held during the first week of September.

Hafiz Naeem said the government had approached the party for negotiations. He said Jamaat-e-Islami was ready to discuss the public’s problems. He stressed that the party’s objective was not to pursue a personal or political ego but to secure relief for the people.

The JI emir said participation in the party’s sit-ins was growing. He said women were also taking part in the protests. According to him, people from different sections of society were joining the demonstrations because of their concerns over inflation and economic pressures.

Hafiz Naeem also spoke about Pakistan’s defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. He said the defence agreement between the three countries should be used for the wider benefit of the Muslim Ummah. He stressed that such cooperation could play an important role in strengthening collective security.

The JI leader also criticised the government’s decision to allow wheat exports. He claimed that the move had contributed to an increase in wheat prices. He said the rising cost of essential food items was adding to the difficulties faced by ordinary families.