By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman strongly condemned the recent court verdict acquitting the accused in the murder of Um-e-Rubab Chandio’s family members, calling it a “blow to justice” and a reinforcement of the feudal system in Sindh.
Speaking at Idara Noor-i-Haq after meeting Chandio, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman pledged full support to her and vowed that JI would continue its struggle against the entrenched feudal and wadera system in the province. He criticized the acquittal despite what he described as “substantial evidence and testimony,” asserting that it raised serious concerns about the impartiality of justice in Sindh.
The JI chief claimed that Chandio had been receiving threats and highlighted that those acquitted had openly violated Section 144 by engaging in celebratory firing. He warned that any harm to her would be the responsibility of those protecting the provincial government.
Naeemur Rehman emphasized the need to curb the power of feudal lords and ensure basic rights for ordinary citizens. He criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party, saying its prolonged rule had emboldened landlords and tribal elites. Recounting the killings from eight years ago, he noted that Chandio’s father, grandfather, and uncle were murdered after opposing the local feudal hierarchy.
The JI chief also pointed out failures in the provincial education sector, noting that despite billions in the budget, 2.8 million children in Sindh—particularly those of poor farmers and laborers—remain out of school. He further criticized the continuing underdevelopment of Kandhkot, which has seen little progress over the last 26 years.
Um-e-Rubab Chandio thanked JI for its support, stating that her struggle aligns with the party’s mission to resist feudal oppression. “The court’s decision has turned the innocent into the guilty and allowed the killers to walk free with honour,” she said, expressing hope that the Sindh government would seek a review and ensure justice is served.
Several JI leaders from Sindh and Karachi were present during the meeting.
