JI election: an example to follow

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman’s elevation as Emir of Jamaat-i-Islami is worth-emulating. The Karachiite with a humble and honest background has been a loyal political worker for the religio-political party, and had time and again exhibited the resilience to stand fast on principles that the Jamaat cherished in solemnity. Naeem made history as he turned down his notified victory on a provincial assembly seat, merely sticking to the high values that his opponent, PTI candidate, has swept it, and this Machiavellian deal is to foment chaos on the electoral mosaic. So has been his astute character as he had relentlessly campaigned for the civic right of Karachi, and called a spade a spade by crossing swords with those at the helm of affair. Notwithstanding the fact that Jamaat is yet to register itself as a vote-clincher in the parliamentary saddles, the principles it adheres to in the form of rule of law and supremacy of the constitution is well-appreciated.

Naeem’s rise should be a lesson and a test case for other political parties who talk of democracy but practise dynastic linkages. The Jamaat, however, has been an exception as its seven decades of post-Independence politics is a testimony of its reliance on Shoora (collective membership), teachings of Maulana Mawdoodi, and its intent to invoke grass-root voices in decision-making. Veterans such as Mian Tufail, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Munawer Hassan and Sirajul Haq were all cultivated and bred in the nurseries of Jamaat, and they made their way to the top by scaling the ladders of trial and tribulation, and by exhibiting leadership and mantle. Naeem is another valuable addition, and has not been there, where he is, on the premise of knowing the politburo or on nepotism.

Jamaat-i-Islami has a role to play and Naeem’s leadership will be up for test as the party takes to streets for the cause of independence of judiciary and sanctity of ballot. With a sizable presence in the local tier of Karachi Municipality, Naeem must divert his synergies to make Karachi a model of development and fair play. Naeem’s legacy in the next five years should be to rally for issues and not for politics of exigency.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2024.

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