JI Chief Slams PPP Over Karachi's Deteriorating Civic Conditions
In a scathing critique of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has asserted that the ruling party has devastated Karachi through years of mismanagement and corruption. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, he emphasized that those responsible for installing the current mayor must now take accountability and rectify the city's mounting problems.
Decades of Rule and Alleged Neglect
Rehman highlighted that the PPP has governed Sindh for the past 18 years, during which he claims Karachi has been systematically ruined. He accused the party of engaging in nothing but "loot and corruption," leaving the metropolis in a state of disrepair. The JI leader reiterated his party's firm demand for the establishment of an empowered city government in Karachi, advocating for a robust local government system nationwide to address such issues effectively.
Failed Infrastructure Projects Criticized
Among the specific grievances, Rehman pointed to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project, describing it as a persistent source of suffering for residents. He argued that Karachi did not require this project and suggested that the Sindh government could have instead invested in 1,500 to 2,000 large buses to improve public transport. Additionally, he criticized the Karimabad underpass project, noting that Rs4 billion was spent only to create "two narrow lanes," questioning the efficiency and transparency of such expenditures.
Waste Management and Water Supply Failures
The JI chief also lambasted the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, which operates on a budget of Rs43 billion but has allegedly failed completely, transforming Karachi into a garbage dump. He claimed that corruption has permeated the waste management system, extending from "Zardari House to Bilawal House." Furthermore, Rehman raised concerns about the stalled K-IV augmentation project, demanding answers from both provincial and federal authorities on why this critical water supply initiative remains incomplete after months of delays.
Delays in Key Transport Initiatives
Rehman further criticized the prolonged delays in the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and the BRT Green Line project. He noted that despite multiple inaugurations over the past eleven years, completion remains elusive, exacerbating the city's transportation woes and reflecting broader governance failures.
Regional and International Commentary
Shifting focus to international affairs, Rehman commended Pakistan's role in mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia but proposed expanding the Pakistan-Saudi defence agreement to include Iran and Turkey. He envisioned this as a step toward unifying the Muslim Ummah, with other Gulf states likely to join. On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he labeled Israel an "illegitimate state" and argued that regional peace is unattainable under its current form. He urged Gulf states to reassess their agreements with the United States, claiming American military bases in the region primarily serve to protect Israel rather than host nations.
Critique of Pakistan's Foreign Policy Stance
Rehman also questioned Pakistan's participation in what he termed Mr. Trump's "Gaza Board of Peace," asserting that it compromises neutrality required for effective mediation. He criticized the board's lack of legal status and its demand to disarm Hamas before peace talks, deeming it contradictory. He called for Pakistan to withdraw from the board and encourage Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Gulf states to do the same, praising Spain for its condemnation of U.S. policies in this context.
Domestic Governance and Economic Demands
On the domestic front, Rehman demanded austerity measures, suggesting that no government vehicle, including those used by army officers, should exceed 1300cc under current economic conditions. He noted that JI's local government representatives adhere to this limit. Criticizing the government's fuel policy, he mocked claims of rejecting price hikes, arguing that taxes of Rs120 to Rs125 per litre on petrol, including a Rs105 levy, are excessive and unrelated to base fuel costs. He also called for the reopening of all educational institutions and the immediate restoration of Pakistan-Iran trade, which he said lacks justification for suspension.
Protocol and Leadership Criticism
In a final jab, Rehman criticized the prime minister's brief visit to Karachi with a 37-vehicle protocol and President Zardari's alleged 26-vehicle convoy for Eid prayers in Nawabshah, highlighting perceived extravagance amid public suffering.
