- Hafiz Naeem reiterates JI’s ‘unwavering support’ for people of Kashmir, Gaza during ‘Down with India and Israel’ March
- JI leader urges government to adopt a stronger and clearer stance against India and Israel
SWAT: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Sunday reiterated his party’s “unwavering support” for the people of Kashmir and Palestine, criticising successive Pakistani governments “for what” he described as a lack of “decisive action on key national and foreign policy issues.”
Delivering a fiery speech at a large rally in Chakdara, Malakand Division, the JI chief said that Pakistan was currently confronting “global hegemonic powers” and that it was the duty of every citizen to stand against oppression.
Addressing participants of the “Down with India and Israel” March, he declared, “the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people are not in vain as today we stand united in their support.”
Hafiz Naeem recalled the historical role played by residents of Malakand Division and the tribal regions in the early phases of the Kashmir conflict, saying their contribution had laid the foundation of the “Kashmiris struggle for freedom.”
Also present at the rally were former JI chief Sirajul Haq, Malakand Division JI head Inayatullah Khan, and Palestinian representative Bilal Zuhayf, who also addressed the gathering.
“The people of this region were the first to support the Kashmiri brethren in their fight for liberation,” he lauded.
He lashed out at India for its alleged involvement in the Pulwama attack and accused New Delhi of using the incident as justification for targeting mosques and civilians in Kashmir.
“In response, Pakistan bravely shot down Indian aircraft, delivering a message of strength and resolve,” he said.
Without naming them directly at first, Mr Naeem criticised former Army Chief Gen (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing both of failing to respond befittingly to Indian aggression.
“They opted for silence when action was needed,” he remarked, adding that Jamaat-e-Islami had consistently advocated unity and resistance in the face of such provocations.
The JI leader urged the current government to adopt a stronger and clearer stance against India and Israel.
Referring to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he said, “This is the time to convey a firm message to Israel. If the blockade is not lifted, Pakistan must be prepared to show its military strength.”
In his speech, Mr Naeem also took aim at the United States, describing it as “a defeated superpower” and warning that Pakistan must not be intimidated by American influence.
He called for greater reliance on indigenous defence and technology capabilities and went on to outline Jamaat-e-Islami’s economic vision, claiming that the party would steer Pakistan out of external debts within ten years.
“We possess both the resolve and the policy to deliver economic justice,” he claimed.
Towards the end of his speech, Hafiz Naeem called for a nationwide boycott of products associated with companies supporting Israel.
“The government must come under public pressure to act decisively on Gaza,” he said.
He also announced his intention to lead a future march to Islamabad, vowing to keep the issues of Kashmir and Palestine at the centre of national political discourse.
