JI Chief Hafiz Naeem Announces Protest Against Housing Societies Built on Riverbeds

Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has announced a protest against housing societies established on natural river pathways, calling for indiscriminate action against those who obtained fake NOCs to build on river land.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Al-Khidmat Foundation’s relief camp in Chuhang, Hafiz Naeem said such societies not only cause environmental destruction but also endanger human lives and farmland during floods.

He emphasized that JI is carrying out organized relief efforts, with women and youth wings actively participating in the rehabilitation of flood victims.

Criticizing the government, Hafiz Naeem said that instead of reacting after natural disasters, authorities should adopt preventive strategies. *“If dams had been built on time and an effective early warning system implemented, the current crisis could have been avoided,”* he remarked.

He stressed the urgent need for dam construction, stating that while the Kalabagh Dam may remain controversial, other reservoirs are essential. He pointed out that Pakistan’s water availability rises by up to 84% for a few months but goes to waste due to lack of storage, creating shortages in the rest of the year.

Hafiz Naeem added that the current floods have destroyed rice and wheat crops, fueling an agricultural crisis and driving up flour prices. Taking a jibe at the prime minister and chief ministers, he said, *“If they spent less time on social media and photo sessions and more on controlling inflation, the people would get real relief.”*

He further criticized private housing societies that claim on media to compensate flood victims, asking, *“Who granted them the NOCs in the first place, and who will hold them accountable?”*