Pakistan can't afford another operation: JI chief
1. JI to stage sit-in in Islamabad on July 26 for which all-out arrangements have been made: Rahman
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rahman has issued a stern warning against any new military operations in Pakistan, cautioning the government against dragging the country into another "blind war." Addressing traders' representatives, Rahman emphasized that the country's governance must align with the will of the masses, as peace is essential for both politics and business to thrive.
Rahman criticized the establishment, rulers, and bureaucracy, urging them to acknowledge their failures and reform. He highlighted JI's longstanding opposition to foreign intervention, pointing out the heavy toll the US war in Afghanistan has taken on Pakistan, with $200 billion lost and 100,000 lives claimed during the war on terror.
He lamented the deteriorating peace in the country and described the current situation as a paradox, where alliances are unclear. Rahman, alongside provincial president Prof Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, deputy chief Dr Ataur Rahman, and traders' representatives, underscored Pakistan's deep historical ties with Afghanistan, noting that strained relations between the two nations only benefit adversaries like India, Israel, and the US.
Rahman blamed former General Musharraf for capitulating to the US for dollars post-9/11, leading to Pakistan's entanglement in terrorism. He condemned the misuse of the country's air bases, logistics, and intelligence for US interests, asserting that these actions have left Pakistan vulnerable and its youth disillusioned.
Furthermore, Rahman criticized the current taxation system, highlighting the disparity where the salaried class contributes Rs375 billion while the feudal and elite classes pay a meager Rs5-6 billion. He called for taxing the feudal class and condemned the oppressive loadshedding and inflated electricity bills. Rahman demanded a forensic audit of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and urged the government to disclose and review agreements with them.
Announcing JI's movement "Haq Do Awam Ko" (Give the People Their Rights), Rahman revealed plans for a sit-in in Islamabad on July 26, with all preparations completed for the demonstration.
