Hafiz Naeem labeled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assurances of reducing inflation as “false and misleading,” arguing that the government’s claims are not rooted in reality
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has launched a scathing critique of the government, accusing it of deceiving the public through the introduction of a so-called winter electricity package. Speaking from Lahore, Hafiz Naeem dismissed the package as a mere ploy to mislead the people and deflect attention from the government’s failure to address core issues, particularly inflation.
Hafiz Naeem labeled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assurances of reducing inflation as “false and misleading,” arguing that the government’s claims are not rooted in reality. He painted a grim picture of the current administration, suggesting that the government is built on a foundation of dishonesty and manipulation. He specifically pointed to the controversial use of “Form 47,” a document associated with questionable practices, as emblematic of the widespread corruption within the system.
His remarks underscored the growing discontent with the government’s handling of both economic policies and governance. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also targeted the economic inequities under the current government, highlighting the disparity between the country’s elite classes and the working populace. He accused the elites of evading taxes while the financial burden continues to fall disproportionately on salaried individuals and the working class.
According to Hafiz Naeem, this unfair taxation system is contributing to the financial squeeze faced by ordinary citizens. Further fueling his criticism, Hafiz Naeem condemned the government’s dealings with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), revealing that billions of rupees are being paid to these entities under the guise of capacity charges. He argued that this arrangement is exacerbating Pakistan’s fiscal challenges, adding unnecessary financial strain on the economy and its people.
Through his statements, Hafiz Naeem is calling for a reevaluation of the country’s economic policies and governance structures, demanding accountability and greater transparency from those in power. His remarks resonate with the growing frustration among many who feel that the government has failed to deliver on its promises, while continuing to safeguard the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the broader population.
