JI chief offers help for Afghanistan talks, slams govt’s approach to national security

Karachi: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has expressed concern over the worsening situation in the country, with escalating unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He offered his party's assistance for peace talks with Afghanistan, stressing that a war with the neighboring country is not viable for Pakistan.

While addressing a press conference in Karachi, he said, “We should not fight a war against Afghanistan, nor can we afford such a war. Afghanistan should also understand that its land should not be used against Pakistan.” He added that if the government needs Jamaat-e-Islami's help in negotiations with Afghanistan, they are ready to assist in any way.

He stated that in recent days, 57 attacks have taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is proof that unrest is increasing there. “This is happening because we do not have an effective policy of our own,” he added.

He criticized former president Pervez Musharraf, saying that he handed over the country's affairs to the United States, which led to interference by agencies like the CIA, RAW, and Blackwater in Pakistan, resulting in a loss of $150 to $200 billion for the country.

Hafiz Naeem also said that people have been imposed against the public mandate in Balochistan.

Hafiz Naeem termed the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express as the government's failure, saying that the government should consider why the lack of trust among the Baloch people is increasing. He said that the Baloch people have not been given their rights, and even in CPEC, they have not been included.

He stated that anyone who goes against the constitution is a terrorist, but currently, the government itself is going against the constitution. He said that instead of depriving the Baloch people of their rights, they should be given their due rights and not forcibly disappeared.

Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a conference in Islamabad on April 14 for the Baloch people, where their issues and rights will be discussed.

He further stated that if a gap develops between the army and the public, wars cannot be won. Therefore, it is important to resolve all issues through mutual understanding.