BATTAGRAM:
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday called for a united movement against the prevailing system, saying districts like Battagram remained deprived of basic amenities despite contribution to national resources.
Addressing a large public gathering titled “Haq Do Battagram Ko, Badal Do Nizam” organized by JI, he said the district, which produces 120 megawatts of electricity, continues to face power shortage.
He also lamented the systemic challenges, noting that some 2.3 million cases were pending in courts across Pakistan, raising questions about the justice system, while unemployment rose and access to health care remained limited.
He called on people to unite and challenge the system, saying the country spends 45 percent of its income on debt servicing, which is hampering development.
He said Islam promotes unity and his party seeks to bring people together beyond divisions.
Commenting on global developments, he blasted Israeli actions in Palestine, saying only Jamaat-e-Islami stood with the Palestinians, while also condemning US actions against Iran and later engagement in ceasefire talks.
He expressed support for Iran’s position and said that Pakistan must move away from US policy and take independent decisions.
Hafiz Naeem said that Jamaat-e-Islami serves the public even without being in government and announced that the party would provide free IT education to youth in Battagram.
Slamming dynastic politics, he said leadership in other parties is inherited while in his party it is earned through service.
He questioned why people in districts like Battagram are deprived of basic amenities, noting that 75,000 children are out of school.
He said the party is launching a movement for a uniform and compulsory education system from April 25 with the aim of reaching people at the village level.
He added that JI would participate in elections on every seat in the village councils and strive to ensure people’s rights, urging citizens to support the party to bring about change.
The meeting was also addressed by Hazara branch JI chief Abdul Razzaq Abbasi and local leaders Saeed Ahmed Malkal, Anwar Baig and Dr. Himayatullah who said people must support Jamaat-e-Islami to end deprivation in Battagram.
Earlier, Hafiz Naeem was brought to the venue in a large motorcade of hundreds of vehicles and received a warm welcome on arrival, after which he thanked the participants.
