Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, sharply criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) during a press conference in Karachi. He also called for significant reductions in fuel prices and urged the government to introduce long-term economic relief measures.
Addressing journalists at Idara Noor-e-Haq, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed concerns over municipal services during Eidul Azha. He said cleanliness arrangements in Karachi were unsatisfactory and stressed the need to empower local governments to improve service delivery and urban management.
Speaking on fuel prices, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman argued that petrol prices should have been reduced by Rs122 per litre. He urged the government to cap petrol prices at Rs250 per litre for the next three years, saying such a move would help revive economic activity and ease pressure on citizens.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also discussed regional developments, stating that Pakistan has the potential to play a mediating role in tensions involving Iran and the United States. He asked the government to provide updates on the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project and called for greater economic cooperation with Tehran.
On taxation, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said salaried individuals continue to bear a major share of the tax burden. He claimed that salaried taxpayers contributed hundreds of billions of rupees in taxes and called for broader reforms to improve revenue collection and economic fairness.
During the press conference, he criticized PPP and MQM, alleging that both parties have remained aligned with ruling structures over the years. He also claimed that the federal government has not given sufficient attention to Karachi’s development and infrastructure needs.
Commenting on international affairs, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He criticized global responses to the conflict and called for greater attention to the challenges faced by Palestinians amid the ongoing crisis.
