In a powerful address to media representatives, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Engr Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman declared the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments unconstitutional and demanded their immediate abolition. The JI supremo delivered his scathing critique during the "Meet the Press" program hosted by Karachi Press Club on Thursday.
Constitutional Amendments Under Fire
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman unequivocally rejected both amendments, stating they have exposed forces that hold Pakistan's Constitution and democracy hostage. He emphasized that these amendments are bound to be abolished and represent undemocratic designs that empower those seeking excessive control and privileges.
The JI leader specifically targeted the 27th Amendment, declaring it not only unconstitutional but also un-Islamic. "The exemption granted to the Field Marshal and the President is in no way justified," he asserted, drawing historical parallels to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and the Companions (RA) who all presented themselves for public and judicial accountability.
Political Parties Accused of Democratic Hypocrisy
Hafiz Naeem launched a broadside against ruling parties, accusing them of being afraid and allergic to democracy. He claimed these parties neither practice democracy within their organizations nor in their journey to assemblies.
"The parties responsible for distorting the Constitution are dynastic and hereditary, nurtured in the laps of dictators," he remarked, adding that "Be it Mr. or Maulana — they are all the same."
He particularly criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for attempting to shield individuals from judicial accountability and labeled so-called democratic forces as "power-hungry" who impose their will by force. He noted the irony that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's grandson was advocating undemocratic amendments to the 1973 Constitution.
Karachi Mandate and Provincial Issues
The JI leader made serious allegations about the 2023 local government elections in Karachi, claiming JI won 192 Union Council chairman seats compared to PPP's 172, yet the PPP seized control of Karachi's mandate. He accused the PPP of horse-trading from Karachi to Kashmir.
Hafiz Naeem challenged the Sindh government to explain why it denies Karachi its rightful share from the NFC Award while simultaneously claiming to protect the same awards and the 18th Constitutional Amendment that ensures devolution of powers.
On education, he revealed shocking statistics: Despite a Rs. 613 billion education budget, 8 out of 9 children fail to reach higher education, with over 20 million children aged 5-16 remaining out of school across Pakistan.
Regional Relations and Warnings
Regarding Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Hafiz Naeem urged the Afghan government to ensure its soil isn't used for terrorism, emphasizing that "wars never bring peace — diplomacy must be conducted responsibly." He offered JI's assistance if the government genuinely seeks peace.
He issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about his anti-democratic approach, suggesting "a time may come when neither you nor your cabinet will even have access to a helicopter." Referencing Bangladesh's recent political revolution, he noted that "the world is changing — Generation Z is bringing revolutions."
The event was attended by prominent JI leaders including Sindh Ameer Kashif Saeed Sheikh, Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar Khan, Sindh Assembly Member Muhammad Farooq, and Information Secretary Zahid Askari. KPC President Fazil Jamili described Hafiz Naeem as "a son of Karachi who understands its problems" and echoed concerns about the amendments undermining judiciary and shifting power to individuals.
Hafiz Naeem concluded by inviting media persons to Jamaat-e-Islami's Ijtema-e-Aam at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore from November 21 to 23, stating "This is no longer a matter of left or right, but of right and wrong. That's why our slogan is 'Change the System.' This event will be a turning point for national reform."
