Hafiz Naeem calls proposed amendment 'attack on constitution'

JI chief says any vote in favour of amendment will be seen as a tool of the establishment

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticised the proposed constitutional amendment regarding the Supreme Court, labelling it an "attack on the constitution" and called on the opposition to fully reject it.

“Debating the amendment’s details is tantamount to strengthening the government. Any vote in favour will be seen as a tool of the establishment," he stated.

JI chief also called on the government to immediately terminate contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) linked to the military, bureaucracy, and the Sharif family.

He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to announce public relief by reducing electricity bills from next month, citing potential savings of Rs411 billion if five IPP contracts are ended.

Speaking at a rally in Gujrat, Hafiz Naeem said, "The military and civilian bureaucracy should forgo their privileges, as the public can no longer bear the burden of the ruling class's extravagance."

He added that JI’s movement had brought the issue of IPP profiteering to light, which would otherwise have continued unchecked.

Hafiz Naeem lamented the control of Pakistan’s resources by an elite class for the past 77 years, calling for a decisive fight against this dominance.

He urged the public to join JI’s "Haq Do Tehreek", which he said is aimed at providing relief to the masses. The party is also set to launch the "Bano Qabil Programme" on 3 November, promising free IT training for one million youth and teachers.

During his speech, Hafiz Naeem criticised previous governments, saying, "Whether it was 'Roti, Kapra, Makan' or 'Naya Pakistan', the hopes of the nation have been betrayed." He accused political leaders of indulging in personal gains while the public suffers.

He also took aim at Pakistan's elite, stating that landowners and feudal lords, backed by the local and global establishment, have long evaded taxes, while the burden is shifted onto the public.

He added, "Electricity bills are loaded with multiple taxes, and IPPs are not only paid capacity charges but are also given tax exemptions. Meanwhile, the people are deprived of basic necessities."

On the issue of inheritance rights, Hafiz Naeem vowed that JI, upon coming to power, would ensure women receive their rightful share of inheritance, and warned that any civil, military officer, or politician withholding this right from their daughters or sisters would lose their position.

He concluded his address by calling on Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to voluntarily announce his retirement, regardless of whether the constitutional amendment is passed. He also called for the official notification of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s appointment.

JI leaders from northern Punjab, including Dr Tariq Saleem, Qaiser Sharif, and Choudhry Ansar Mahmood Dhoul, were also present at the rally, which saw significant participation from women and families.