Hafiz Naeem Claims Mohsin Naqvi Has Admitted Failure, Announces Nationwide Protest on August 7

Karachi: Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has sharply criticized the federal government, claiming that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has effectively admitted the failure of the current political system and alleging that those who “imposed” and those who benefited from Form 47 have both failed.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem said those who were brought into power through what he described as “Form 47” lacked public mandate. He alleged that President Asif Ali Zardari and Karachi’s mayor were also products of the same electoral process, adding that allowing the actual election winners to assume office would help improve the country’s political system.

He said the Constitution is not being implemented, while unnecessary issues are being prioritized. Criticizing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), he claimed the two parties were engaged in political theatrics and argued that elected representatives should be allowed to govern without interference.

Hafiz Naeem also criticized the government’s economic policies, saying Pakistan has some of the highest petrol prices in the region. He alleged that petroleum prices are increased frequently, while reductions are only marginal.

Describing the petroleum levy as an “unjust tax,” he said rising fuel prices have increased the cost of essential goods and placed an excessive burden on ordinary citizens. He further accused the government of using the IMF programme as a justification for unpopular economic decisions instead of addressing public hardships.

The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also claimed that the country had incurred significant costs for electricity that was not generated, saying the financial burden was ultimately being passed on to consumers.

Calling for public unity, Hafiz Naeem announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will hold nationwide protests on August 7 against inflation and government policies.

Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he said dialogue remains the only viable solution, although an immediate resolution appears unlikely. He added that the people of Kashmir are an integral part of Pakistan and criticized both the Azad Kashmir and federal governments for failing to play a more effective role.