JI Chief Hafiz Naeem Demands Answers from Nawaz Sharif Over “70,000 Fake Votes,” Says Govt Formed on Form-47
Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has launched a strong critique of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the federal government, questioning the legitimacy of the PML-N leader’s election victory and accusing the ruling coalition of forming a government through “Form-47 manipulation.”
Addressing a press conference at Mansoorah, Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said Nawaz Sharif must first explain “how he won on the basis of 70,000 fake votes” and who brought him into the assembly. He added that if Nawaz Sharif truly had differences with the establishment, he must explain “why he came into power again and why he joined hands with the same establishment to attack democracy.”
The JI chief argued that the current government “is built on Form-47,” adding that the PML-N leadership shifts its stance depending on its political convenience — “When they are upset, they chant against the establishment, and when reconciled, they praise it. Nawaz Sharif must answer how much respect the vote truly received.”
### **Local Government & Constitutional Concerns**
Hafiz Naeem announced a province-wide protest on December 7 and 8 against the newly passed local government law, calling it a “black law” that strips metropolitan and district councils of authority. He vowed to challenge the legislation both in courts and on the streets, declaring that the 27th Constitutional Amendment is “an attack on the basic structure of the Constitution and will not be accepted.”
He claimed that governance in Pakistan remains hostage to bureaucracy acting like a colonial force, while political dynasties fear their own workers and deliberately block devolution of power.
### **Criticism of Election Process & Political System**
The JI chief reiterated his long-standing criticism of Pakistan’s electoral process, stating that governments are formed through manipulated systems — “Sometimes through RTS, sometimes through Form-47.”
He stressed that real democracy requires empowered local governments, transparent elections, and decentralization of authority.
### **Attacks on Sindh Government & Law and Order**
Hafiz Naeem held the Sindh government and PPP responsible for “massive corruption” in Karachi and claimed that “criminal gangs and dacoits still dominate the province.”
He also expressed concern over alleged extrajudicial killings and the spread of narcotics in Punjab, accusing “drug mafias of operating with government backing.”
### **National Issues: Foreign Policy, Education, Balochistan**
Speaking on foreign policy, he argued that Pakistan must adopt an independent approach, saying that “bowing to U.S. pressure or pandering to Trump will not benefit the country.”
He highlighted the alarming state of education, noting that 88% of Pakistan’s population lacks access to higher education, while over 30 million children remain out of school. He added that Pakistani universities rank poorly globally and the education system is limited to a privileged few.
On Balochistan, Hafiz Naeem pointed to severe water and electricity crises, saying the JI’s “Badal Do Nizam” movement is expanding across the province.
### **Pledge for Continued Political Mobilization**
Hafiz Naeem reaffirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami will continue its struggle for peace, civic rights, empowered local bodies, and constitutional governance. He said the party will use “every democratic avenue,” including major sit-ins and assembly marches, to advance the “Badal Do Nizam” movement and resist what he called the ongoing exploitation of the public.
