Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Sunday expressed deep concerns about the ongoing socio-economic challenges facing Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a trade convention held in Peshawar to discuss the 2024-25 budget, he stressed that the current scenario is resulting in losses solely for Pakistan and its citizens, attributing a significant part of these problems to American-led wars.
Speaking to a gathering of traders, Rehman stressed that the prevailing system in Pakistan has utterly failed.
He reiterated that education, health, and security are the government’s duties, and the traders are willing to pay taxes if these basic needs are met. "Traders want to pay taxes, but education, health, and security are the responsibilities of the government," he declared.
He pointed out that the burden of debt on the country has escalated.
"It has been proven that the system is broken. The country's debt burden has increased," he said.
Rehman recalled that highlighted, "Before 2001, there were no bomb blasts in the country. There were no terrorist incidents in Pakistan," he said, adding that the American-led wars have only brought destruction to the country.
The American war has caused massive economic damage and the loss of countless lives," Rehman remarked.
He also criticized the role of certain military and bureaucratic leaders, asserting that they need to acknowledge their failures.
JI emir cited the instance of former President Gen Pervez Musharraf, who, according to him, complied with all American demands following a single phone call from the U.S. State Department.
"Musharraf agreed to all their demands, believing it would bring dollars to the country, but the public did not benefit from these dollars," Rehman asserted.
Rehman accused certain factions within the military of establishing factories that produced terrorists, leading to the necessity of military operations.
"Who created the factories that churn out terrorists, leading to military operations? It was some within the military itself," he claimed.
Rehman also stressed that the situation has become so complicated that it is difficult to discriminate who is aligned with whom.
He stated, "In the current situation, the only losers are Pakistan and its people.
Addressing the broader issues, hafiz called for peace and security, which he emphasized are the state's responsibility.
He referenced the Bannu incident, indicating that efforts to convey the gravity of the situation to the authorities have been futile.