Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said today that increasing security incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have raised concerns, with 57 attacks reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. The situation is deteriorating, highlighting the need for a clear strategy to address the crisis, he added.
Addressing the press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq in Karachi, he opined that security challenges intensified after Pakistan aligned with the United States. Former President General Pervez Musharraf’s decision to support the U.S. without consulting national stakeholders has had long-term consequences. Both civilians and military personnel have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, he deplored.
A military operation is not a permanent solution, he maintained and suggested that a well-defined policy is required. Normalizing relations with Afghanistan is essential, and Kabul must ensure that its territory is not used against Pakistan. Political representatives expressed readiness to mediate dialogue between the two nations, he assured.
The frequency of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 27 incidents within 24 hours, underscores the urgency of restoring peace. In Balochistan, the latest terrorist incident has been described as a failure of governance. The growing distrust among the Baloch population is another critical issue, he remarked.
JI Chief warned that if the ruling authorities do not take matters seriously, the situation could worsen. A national-level Balochistan conference is scheduled for April 14 in Islamabad, where a comprehensive charter will be presented. Officials stress that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are matters of national importance, he added.
Criticizing the ruling party in the province, he said Sindh is facing challenges related to its irrigation system, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) actively involved in canal development. Each province’s water quota is pre-determined, but corporate farming is emerging as a collaboration between urban and rural elites, he added.
Law and order in Sindh’s kacha areas remain a concern, with criminal activities increasing. PPP continues to secure its interests with the establishment, he claimed.
Rising inflation has further strained the public, he said adding that while official advertisements paint a different picture. PML-N’s advertisements are counterproductive, adding to its criticism.
Hafiz Naeem surprised that despite growing economic pressures, privileges for the ruling class continue to expand. Electricity bills should be reduced, and small industries require promotion. A public-friendly solar policy is needed to address the energy crisis.
Political parties have historically engaged with K-Electric, and PPP remains part of the federal government, raising questions about its stance on electricity-related concerns, he questioned.