Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, has issued a strong call to action, urging the Chief of Army Staff to actively play a decisive role in resolving the longstanding issues of Kashmir and Palestine, warning that failure to do so may erode public support. Speaking at a charged rally titled “Death to Israel, India”, held on Station Road in Hyderabad, Hafiz Naeem delivered a powerful speech steeped in nationalistic fervor and ideological clarity.
“No Dialogue Without Kashmir”: Hafiz Naeem’s Firm Stand
Rejecting any notion of bilateral negotiations that bypass the Kashmir dispute, Hafiz Naeem declared that no talks with India are acceptable unless the sole agenda is Kashmir. He emphasized that India’s actions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, especially post the abrogation of Article 370, are not only illegal but a blatant violation of international human rights. He called upon the Pakistani leadership, particularly the Army Chief, to take concrete diplomatic and strategic steps to highlight the plight of Kashmiris and support their right to self-determination.
If the Army Chief wants the full support of the Pakistani people, he must take a stand on Kashmir. This is not just a political issue—it is a matter of national honor, said Hafiz Naeem to a large and passionate crowd.
He added that any deviation from the Kashmir-centric agenda in foreign policy discussions with India would be viewed as a betrayal of the Kashmiri people’s struggle.
Palestine: A Common Cause for the Muslim World
Expanding the focus beyond South Asia, Hafiz Naeem also called for solidarity with the Palestinian cause, denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. He criticized Muslim governments for their silence and inaction while Israel continues its aggression. He linked the issues of Kashmir and Palestine, portraying them as part of a larger narrative of Muslim oppression and resistance.
We cannot claim to be defenders of Islam if we remain silent on the bloodshed in Gaza and Al-Aqsa. The Army Chief must represent not just national but Ummah-wide aspirations, he declared.
Criticism of Political Leadership
Hafiz Naeem did not spare Pakistan’s political elite either. He took aim at Nawaz Sharif, accusing him of political cowardice during critical moments in Indo-Pak relations, particularly during military confrontations.
Nawaz Sharif could not even speak a word during the India-Pakistan war. How can his ministers now be trusted with the nation’s dignity?he questioned, urging the former Prime Minister to rein in his cabinet and prevent irresponsible statements that could harm Pakistan’s stance on key national issues.
He also indirectly criticized the country’s mainstream political discourse, saying that it has degenerated into petty debates about everyday commodities, ignoring the sacrifices made during the formation of Pakistan.
This country was not built for potato and onion politics. It was made with the blood of martyrs. We cannot allow its founding vision to be reduced to mere economic slogans, said the JI leader.
National Heroes and Identity
In his address, Hafiz Naeem also paid tribute to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, calling him a national hero and guardian of Pakistan’s nuclear capability. He lamented what he sees as a lack of proper recognition for figures like Dr. Qadeer in current national narratives and demanded that the state honor those who have contributed to the country’s defense and sovereignty.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Position
The rally in Hyderabad served as a clear indicator of Jamaat-e-Islami’s unyielding stance on Kashmir, Palestine, and Islamic unity. The party has long held a foreign policy vision rooted in ideological commitment and Islamic solidarity, and Hafiz Naeem’s speech reiterated these themes with renewed urgency.
Crowds at the rally responded with fervent slogans, waving Palestinian and Kashmiri flags alongside Pakistani ones. The demonstration underscored the growing public frustration with both global inaction and domestic passivity on these critical issues.
Hafiz Naeem’s address concluded with a warning that any deviation from Pakistan’s ideological foundations and failure to uphold international Muslim causes would lead to increased disillusionment among the masses. He reiterated that true leadership requires moral courage, and now is the time for the country’s top institutions to rise to the occasion.
We are not against peace,he said, but peace must come with justice, dignity, and equality—especially for the oppressed in Kashmir and Palestine.
The Jamaat-e-Islami’s rally marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing political and ideological discourse in Pakistan, highlighting the enduring relevance of regional and religious solidarity in shaping public sentiment.
