JI chief vows not to accept takeover of local government powers
Pakistan
Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, has rejected any encroachment on local government laws and authority, calling for action to hold Punjab government accountable.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) — Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has firmly stated that his party will not accept any takeover of local government powers or violation of local government laws.
Addressing protesters at Liaqat Bagh in the twin cities, Naeem ur Rehman praised their dedication, saying, “Even in heavy rain, you stand tall. Last year it was a 14-day protest — are you ready to do it again?”
He criticized what he called “Form 47 powers” imposed by the establishment, claiming that leaders including Nawaz Sharif were defeated in the process. “If these people are champions, let them bring the real form. Everyone sitting in the assembly wasn’t elected — they were imposed,” he said.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman highlighted the long struggle for the constitution and democratic governance, calling the Local Government Act a “black law.” He accused the Punjab government of using other laws and institutions to delay local government elections, which have not been held for six years.
Read also: Hafiz Naeem vows to restore constitution in its true form
He further criticized Pakistan Muslim League-N and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for failing to hold local body elections and declared that Jamaat-e-Islami will not accept the usurpation of local government powers.
“If I call for a sit-in at the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore, are you ready? Are you ready to surround the Punjab Assembly? The new laws are made for horse-trading,” he added.
