Jamaat-e-Islami's Ameer, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, strongly condemned the government's recent actions against the people’s constitutional and democratic rights, specifically in Islamabad. In a statement issued from Mansoura, Rehman denounced the brutal tactics employed by the government to suppress freedom of expression, including the kidnapping of journalists and their subsequent imprisonment on false charges. "The Form 47 government has no right to undermine the constitution and democracy or turn the country into a spectacle," said Rehman, referring to the current government. He demanded the immediate release of journalists, including Matiullah Jan, who have been falsely charged and incarcerated.

The Jamaat-e-Islami chief further stated that the government's attempt to demonstrate fascism to the people of Pakistan will not be accepted under any circumstances. "This country was built through the struggle of the people, and they are its true heirs," Rehman asserted, emphasizing that the voices of the people cannot be silenced by oppression. Rehman criticized the government's attempt to obscure the truth regarding events in Islamabad and expressed concern over the restriction of access to information. He pointed out that access to information is a fundamental constitutional right, and restricting it, especially from critical institutions like hospitals, does not prevent the truth from emerging. "It only leads to the spread of rumors and forces people to form their own conclusions," he said. Rehman also reiterated Jamaat-e-Islami's long-standing demand for a genuinely elected government.

"The country will only progress when the real representatives of the people are in power," he said, calling for the formation of a judicial commission based on Form 45 to bring in a truly elected government. He further demanded the release of all political prisoners and the annulment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. On economic issues, Rehman urged the government to prioritize the welfare of the people over compliance with the IMF's conditions. He called for a reduction in the prices of electricity, petrol, and essential food items. He also suggested using the benefits from IPP agreements to decrease electricity costs. Jamaat-e-Islami pledged to continue its struggle for the rights of the people and to stand firm in opposing any actions that undermine democracy and constitutional rights.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan