Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has praised the government’s diplomatic efforts for peace in the Gulf region but stressed that national interests must be fully safeguarded amid ongoing regional developments.
Addressing a ceremony of the “Bano Qabil” programme in Gujranwala, he said Pakistan’s electricity generation capacity stands at 49,000 megawatts, yet citizens continue to face severe load-shedding. He attributed the crisis largely to costly agreements with independent power producers (IPPs), under which nearly Rs2 trillion is paid annually.
He warned that the country is facing deep social and economic challenges, including the alarming reality that around 30 million children are out of school and a large number of youth are affected by drug addiction. He said the current system requires urgent reform.
Criticising education policies in Punjab, he said the outsourcing of public schools is affecting education standards while teachers are being employed on low salaries. He also raised concerns over the privatisation of healthcare and other public institutions.
On inflation, he noted that citizens are paying nearly Rs150 per litre in taxes on petroleum products, while basic public services remain inadequate.
Hafiz Naeem also appreciated the “Bano Qabil” initiative by Alkhidmat Foundation, under which laptops were distributed among students. He said the programme is equipping youth with IT and modern skills, with future plans to introduce artificial intelligence and other free training courses.
Earlier, in a statement on social media platform X, he criticised the Sindh government and Pakistan Peoples Party, alleging restrictions on banners of the “Haq Do Karachi” campaign and threats of sealing shops, calling it an act of authoritarianism.
He said Karachi residents will continue to raise their voice for rights, warning that any attempt to suppress them would go against democratic values. He added that Karachi remains the economic hub of Pakistan but continues to face deprivation of basic facilities.
He reaffirmed that the “Haq Do Karachi” movement represents millions of citizens and will continue until legitimate rights are ensured.
