Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, has called on Pakistan to support ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. He warned the nation against falling for what he called the “deception” of US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a press conference in Mansoorah on Wednesday, Rehman said Washington’s decision to negotiate reflected its “defeat” and Iran’s success. He highlighted Iran’s firm stance over the Strait of Hormuz and questioned why the US failed to secure its objectives despite exerting pressure.
On the issue of Palestine, Rehman said the people of Gaza had not surrendered and continued their resistance. He urged filing cases in international courts against Trump and Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He claimed that over 90,000 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza during the past two and a half years. Women and children made up 70 percent of the casualties. He called for international legal action to hold perpetrators accountable.
Rehman also criticized Pakistan’s domestic policies. He condemned the petroleum levy, stating that Rs900 billion was being collected from the poor and middle classes. He said the burden was particularly heavy on around 25 million motorcyclists. He demanded the immediate removal of the levy and a reduction in fuel prices.
He criticized government spending on luxury items, including an Rs11 billion aircraft for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and costly vehicles for bureaucrats. He urged the aircraft be sold and the money deposited into the national exchequer. Officials, he said, should use smaller and more economical vehicles.
On energy issues, Rehman called for activating the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project to address the energy crisis. He emphasized the need for a unified foreign policy with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye, and Gulf states to counter US and Israeli influence.
He further demanded investigations into agreements with independent power producers and closure of inefficient thermal plants to lower electricity costs. Rehman announced that JI would organize peaceful protests to press for fuel price relief and address other public concerns.
