Karachi Residents Hate PPP, Says Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, Challenges Bilawal to Produce Form 45s

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has claimed that Karachi residents dislike the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging that the party came to power in the city through electoral rigging.

Questioning the PPP’s electoral mandate, he challenged PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to present Form 45 documents for seven National Assembly seats in Karachi to substantiate his party’s claims of electoral victory.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem alleged that following the PPP’s defeat in local government elections, 32 people were bought to install what he described as a “fake mayor.” He further claimed that the PPP had secured seven National Assembly seats in Karachi through rigging.

The JI chief criticised what he described as a system of feudal influence, vested interests and social pressure in Sindh, arguing that it continued to strengthen political power while the problems of Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities in the province remained unresolved.

He also criticised the federal and provincial governments led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP over their governance and handling of public issues.

Questions Raised Over Benazir Income Support Programme

Hafiz Naeem also made allegations concerning the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), claiming that only 38 to 40 per cent of its budget reached deserving families, while the remaining amount was allegedly affected by corruption involving intermediaries.

He argued that instead of providing poor families with limited financial assistance, the government should focus on education, employment opportunities and sustainable measures to eliminate poverty.

Criticism of Government Expenditure and Economic Policies

The JI chief questioned government spending on the renovation of the Prime Minister’s House, official vehicles, free fuel and electricity, and foreign visits. He said substantial public funds were being spent on such facilities, while serious efforts to reduce these expenditures were lacking.

Hafiz Naeem also raised concerns about the State Bank of Pakistan’s autonomy and the government’s economic policies. He called for an effective strategy to relieve the public from economic hardships, reduce poverty and improve the country’s economic outlook.

He further stressed the need for Pakistan to make progress in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, saying the government should adopt policies that address public needs while preparing the country for technological advancement.

The electoral rigging allegations and claims regarding BISP expenditure were presented by Hafiz Naeem during the press conference and were not independently verified in the information available.