Jamat-e-Islami slams democracy's 'auction'

As the government pressed ahead with its proposed constitutional amendments, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Sunday condemned what he termed a disgraceful political spectacle unfolding in parliament.

Speaking to the media, Hafiz Naeem accused political leaders of turning parliament into a marketplace.

"Once again, the buying and selling of votes is rampant," he stated, as both the government and opposition engaged in backdoor negotiations to secure the numbers needed to pass the amendment.

"The 250 million people of Pakistan condemn the political games being played in parliament."

He lamented that once again, the buying and selling of votes was in full swing and criticised a small circle of politicians who, he said, have been involved in such dealings for years.

"Whether it's amendments, [former army chief] General Bajwa's extension, or now the chief justice's extension, the same faces are making bids. The question is, who will put themselves up for sale this time?"

Hafiz Naeem also lambasted the political elite for their double standards.

"On one hand, they claim to support democracy and parliament, but in reality, they tarnish its sanctity," he said, adding that most of the members in the parliament are not even elected by the public's true mandate.

"They have always come to power as tools of the establishment."

He stressed the real issues facing Pakistan: peace, democratic freedom, affordable electricity, and a stable economy. "The growing support for Jamaat-e-Islami reflects the public's demand for genuine solutions," he added.