Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Slams Sindh Government, PPP Responds Strongly in War of Words

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has strongly criticized the Sindh government, stating that if anyone considers its performance transparent, “they deserve a Nobel Prize.”
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, he said that University Road has become a “mockery,” alleging that development projects in the city remain incomplete. He further described the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as a “B team of the elderly” and urged senior citizens not to support the party.
Hafiz Naeem announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will launch a nationwide membership drive from April 25 and warned that the party would move a no-confidence motion against the Mayor of Karachi. He said the current system must change, otherwise the country cannot progress, adding that “the ruling elite take loans and the burden falls on the public.”
He also criticized Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements, claiming that the public is paying for electricity that is not even being generated. He announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will approach courts against petroleum levies and questioned the fairness of such charges.

On education, he stated that millions of children are out of school while expensive government initiatives continue. He also commented on international issues, including Iran-US negotiations and the situation in Gaza, expressing support for Iran and criticizing US policies in the region.
Sindh Minister’s Strong Response
In response, Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah rejected Hafiz Naeem’s remarks, calling them an attempt to gain “cheap publicity.” He said the people of Sindh have already rejected Jamaat-e-Islami in both local and general elections.
He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party represents “public service and development,” not corruption, and urged Hafiz Naeem to refrain from using Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s name for political attention. He described Bilawal as a popular national leader and said criticism of major leaders is an attempt by smaller politicians to gain relevance.
The minister further stated that Jamaat-e-Islami has always pursued negative politics and lacks a public welfare agenda, while PPP’s development projects in Karachi reflect its performance. He said PPP has always made sacrifices for democracy and will continue serving the public with its mandate.
Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah concluded that politics based on allegations will no longer work, as the public only looks at performance, and PPP will continue its development work in Sindh.