Sindh Minister Says Karachi Is Not Under Occupation, Claims Jamaat-e-Islami Has Been Rejected by Voters

Karachi: Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah has rejected claims that Karachi is under any form of political occupation, stating that the city’s residents have instead rejected Jamaat-e-Islami through the democratic process.

Responding to recent remarks by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, the provincial minister said that a party which, according to him, has never won local government elections should not lecture others on democracy.

“Democracy runs in the blood of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP),” Shah said, adding that those who emerged from what he described as the “nursery of dictatorship” should refrain from criticizing the party’s democratic credentials.

The minister urged Jamaat-e-Islami to account for what he termed its unsuccessful performance in local government before commenting on Sindh’s development. He highlighted PPP’s initiatives, including land ownership programs for farmers and the introduction of the Benazir Mazdoor Card for workers under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Shah also questioned the practical contributions of Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, alleging that the Jamaat-e-Islami leader relies more on media appearances and press conferences than on tangible public service.

He further accused the party of using issues related to children’s futures for political gain and asserted that Karachi’s residents had rejected what he called Jamaat-e-Islami’s politics of division and negativity.

The provincial minister maintained that critics of Sindh’s education budget should visit government schools to observe reforms undertaken by the provincial administration. He concluded by saying that PPP remains committed to public service, while its opponents focus on gaining publicity through rhetoric and allegations.