Punjab Focused on Showy Measures Instead of Real Development, Says Hafiz Naeem

LAHORE:Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has criticized the Punjab government, saying the province has seen little meaningful work while emphasis has been placed on “showy measures.”

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said the law and order situation in the country was deteriorating, with terrorist incidents increasing and the younger generation becoming increasingly disillusioned.

He said the country was witnessing a growing brain drain as young people continued to seek opportunities abroad, adding that Jamaat-e-Islami was increasingly succeeding in creating political and social awareness among the public.

The JI chief said income tax was effectively being collected from salaried people, while the burden of excessive taxation was putting ordinary citizens under severe financial pressure.

He alleged that corruption was visible across various sectors and called for reforms to address the country’s economic and governance challenges.

Hafiz Naeem said that unfortunately, Punjab had witnessed few genuine development initiatives, while “showy measures” were more prominent.

He said he would address a public gathering in Rawalpindi and also meet representatives of the business community.

The JI chief alleged that the administration was continuing to use delaying tactics and had not granted permission for the gathering at Liaquat Bagh.

He warned that if the administration did not change its approach, it would be responsible for the consequences.

“If permission is not granted for the gathering at Liaquat Bagh, we will stage a sit-in on the roads of Rawalpindi and Islamabad,” Hafiz Naeem said.