JI slams exploitation in resource-rich Balochistan

Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, has strongly criticised the persistent deprivation of Balochistan's people despite the province's vast natural wealth, terming it "the worst form of injustice."

Speaking at the entry test ceremony of Al-Khidmat Foundation's Bano Qabil programme in Loralai, the JI chief said Balochistan is abundant in coal, marble, and other precious natural resources, yet its people continue to be denied basic rights.

"Despite having massive reserves of coal and marble, local people are getting nothing," he said, adding that this systematic exploitation has created deep anger among the Baloch people.

Hafiz Naeem said the entire country is open for the youth of Balochistan. "Come forward and join hands with us to light one lamp from another so we can uproot this exploitative system from its roots," he urged.

He pointed out that over 35,000 children in Loralai alone are out of school, which he called "a glaring proof of the rulers' poor performance." The JI leader reminded that the Constitution of Pakistan makes it the state's responsibility to provide free and quality education up to matriculation, but a "class-based system" is being imposed instead, which he described as "rebellion against both the Constitution and Pakistan."

The JI chief also criticised the government for failing to strike a petrol and gas agreement with neighbouring Iran, saying a virtual pipeline could easily supply gas across Balochistan.

On the economic front, he lambasted the current system for heavily taxing poor motorcyclists while feudal lords and landlords evade taxes.