Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced the launch of a nationwide protest movement from December 21, expressing serious concerns over Pakistan’s political and economic direction.
Speaking to the media, he accused the government of monopolising institutions and undermining democratic values, especially at the local level. He said that despite repeated promises, citizens have been deprived of the right to elect local governments and termed this situation as a threat to democratic continuity.
Hafiz Naeem also criticised social welfare programmes, alleging that beneficiaries are forced to wait in long queues under the banner of relief schemes. He questioned the electoral implementation of IMF conditions, saying that policies that harm ordinary citizens are implemented while structural reforms are ignored.
On the economic front, he challenged the government’s recovery narrative, arguing that rising imports, expensive farm inputs, and dwindling relief for farmers paint a different picture. “If the economy is improving, why are farmers suffering and basic inputs becoming unaffordable?” he asked.
According to political economists, such statements add to the public’s growing scepticism about claims of economic growth. Experts note that without comprehensive policies and decentralised governance, economic benefits are weak and unevenly distributed.
Analysts further believe that the criticism of dynastic politics and constitutional amendments reflects a broader debate about the concentration of power in Pakistan. They argue that continued political pressure could force a fresh debate on electoral reforms and local government elections.
