No one can claim ownership of Pakistan through wealth or by force: JI chief

Hafiz Naeem reiterates vision for equal education system where rich, poor have access to same quality of education

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has declared the youth as the future and owners of Pakistan, emphasising that the nation cannot be ruled by wealth or weapons, Express News reported on Sunday.

Addressing thousands of students at the Banoqabil Aptitude Test 4.0 organised by Al-Khidmat at the Mangal Bazaar Ground in Karachi, Rehman said, "Pakistan is not the property of generals or investors, it belongs to the youth. No one can claim ownership through wealth or force."

He added, "We, the youth, are the true owners of this country, and we will take it forward through education. We are committed to creating the Pakistan our forefathers dreamed of – a country based on the principles of justice and equality for all."

The JI chief reiterated the party’s vision for an equitable education system, where both the rich and poor would have access to the same quality of education. "There should be one curriculum, one system, and one standard for all Pakistanis – for the 250 million citizens of this country."

Rehman also addressed concerns about the growing disparity in university fees in Karachi. He criticised the fee structure at Karachi’s universities, particularly the vast difference between the charges at Karachi University and Sindh University.

"The students of Karachi are being overburdened with fees. The government must ensure that Karachi students are charged the same fees as their counterparts in Sindh University," he said.

He went on to highlight Karachi's significant contribution to the national economy, adding, "Karachi generates 65% of Pakistan's total revenue. It is the economic heart of the country. If Karachi thrives, the whole nation thrives."

Furthermore, Rehman challenged the government’s inability to provide quality education, questioning why private NGOs are able to educate thousands of students while the state cannot.

"The government must prioritise the education of its people, especially when it collects taxes from them. If the state is not fulfilling its duty, then it is our responsibility to remove those from power who fail to use our taxes for the public good," he added.

He also spoke against the growing sense of hopelessness among the youth, pointing out that Pakistan is rich in natural resources and minerals. "There are countless resources in this country. Why should our youth go abroad when they have everything they need here?" he said.

Rehman called on the youth to place their trust in Pakistan. "This is our country. We are the ones who will build it, and we will take the reins of this nation from the hands of the privileged, and hand it to the powerless, the deprived, and the oppressed," he said.