By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
The new Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, has reinvigorated the party, inspiring its members to actively engage in numerous rallies and sit-ins in Islamabad. These
demonstrations demand solutions to pressing issues such as inflation, exorbitant electricity bills, and the protection of basic human rights. Fundamental rights are inherent to every citizen and do not require governmental approval to be voiced. Citizens gain their rights by compelling the government to act through the power of collective action, which is the very essence of why politicians are elected. The current government, perceived as illegitimate due to its backing by a powerful military establishment, stands as a stark example of this need for citizen action.
Pakistanis could learn valuable lessons from the citizens of Bangladesh, whose youth pressured the High Court into reversing a decision, forcing the government to engage with the opposition. The power lies with the people, and this power should be recognized and asserted against the mafias that control Pakistan. No permission from officials or judges—who live luxuriously off taxpayers’ money—is needed. Unfortunately, PTI’s frontline leadership has yet to grasp this concept, as they continually seek approval from the very officials they oppose. Will this approach free Imran Khan from jail?
PTI’s leadership announced a protest in Islamabad only to postpone it because they failed to obtain government permission. Do political movements fighting for citizens’ rights need to ask permission from those corrupt in illegitimate power? PTI leaders and MLAs have no excuse for their inability to hold a protest in Islamabad. They need to look to Jamaat-e-Islami, learn from their actions, or be ashamed.
There is a common perception in Pakistani political circles that Jamaat-e-Islami enjoys military support. I have no concrete evidence to confirm or deny this claim, and thus I refrain from commenting on it. I have often criticized Jamaat-e-Islami’s hypocritical policies.
However, it is noteworthy that Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, particularly Hafiz Naeem, are currently vocal in their criticism of the military-backed government and even the current army chief. Does it make sense for the army to back a large demonstration against the present government while simultaneously being blamed for Pakistan’s dire situation? When Hafiz Naeem was declared the winner on Feb 8 elections, he announced that the PTI candidate was the true victor. This instance raises further questions about military support.
In summary, the people of Pakistan must recognize their inherent power and use it to challenge the entrenched systems of corruption and illegitimacy. PTI leaders should take a cue from Jamaat-e-Islami’s proactive approach, abandon their reliance on government permission, and lead with the boldness that their followers deserve. The future of Pakistan lies in the hands of its people, and it is time they wield their power effectively. (The writer, Syed Atiq ul Hassa, is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer and editor, Tribune International, Australia. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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