JI chief Hafiz Naeem urges for change in Pakistan’s political system

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Amir, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, has voiced strong opposition to the 26th Constitutional Amendment, claiming it will allow the judiciary and judges to operate at their discretion, undermining the principles of justice in the country.

Speaking at the book launch of "Mein Ne Ayeen Bante Dekha" by Altaf Hassan Qureshi and Dr Amanullah in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem stated, “With the 26th Amendment, the judiciary will function based on the will of the judges, dictating how justice should be delivered.”

He expressed concern over the potential for personal influence in judicial decision-making, further eroding public trust in the legal system.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s history, Hafiz Naeem criticised the military's role in the country’s political landscape.

“To crush Pakistan's freedom, military rulers have torn up the law and established a monopoly, taking control of institutions,” he said, adding that marginalised communities, including Baloch and Sindhi people, have suffered from systemic injustice and been denied their rights.

The Jamaat-e-Islami leader lamented that the foundation upon which Pakistan was established has been eroded.

"The system of justice should be rooted in Islam, as Islam is the only force that can unite the nation," he stated, urging the country to return to its original principles.

Hafiz Naeem further emphasised the importance of upholding the supremacy of the constitution. He stated that the struggle for a completed Pakistan involves enforcing the rule of law, eradicating interest-based financial systems, and securing human rights.

"For forty years, student politics have been banned. Without a thriving democratic nursery, how can politics grow?" he remarked.

The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also drew attention to the systemic inequalities in the country, pointing out that a small group of powerful military, judicial, and parliamentary elites, along with feudal landlords and capitalists, continue to dominate Pakistan's politics.

"These few powerful people divide us, and now it is time for the nation to work together," he urged.

Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman called for a transformative change in Pakistan’s political system, stressing that true democracy and constitutional supremacy are essential for the nation’s future.