By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Engr Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has accused the country’s ruling parties of being “allergic to democracy,” criticizing them for bypassing both internal party democracy and the will of the people.
Speaking at a “Meet the Press” session hosted by the Karachi Press Club, Hafiz Naeem described the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments as unconstitutional, un-Islamic, and bound to be repealed. He argued that the amendments empower elites at the expense of public accountability, particularly the immunity granted to top state figures under the 27th Amendment.
“The Prophet (PBUH), the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and their Companions presented themselves to public and judicial scrutiny. Today’s leaders must do the same and reject immunity,” he said.
Hafiz Naeem also criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), accusing it of undermining Karachi’s local government mandate and engaging in political horse-trading from Karachi to Kashmir. He said PPP’s control over local bodies, despite losing elections in 192 Union Councils, demonstrated a “power-hungry” approach that prioritizes self-interest over constitutional norms.
Highlighting broader political concerns, Hafiz Naeem warned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the consequences of “antidemocratic governance,” alluding to a new wave of youth-led activism and referencing recent political developments in Bangladesh.
The JI chief also addressed Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, urging Kabul to prevent its soil from being used for terrorism and emphasizing diplomacy over conflict. The event was attended by KPC President Fazil Jamili, Sindh JI Ameer Kashif Saeed Sheikh, Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar Khan, Sindh Assembly member Muhammad Farooq, Information Secretary Zahid Askari, and other party officials.
