Hafiz Naeem calls for accessible education, better healthcare, and youth empowerment

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman Sunday strongly criticized the government's policies, accusing it of failing to provide basic facilities like healthcare and education to the public, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

Speaking as the chief guest at the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) convention held at the Expo Center Karachi, Hafiz Naeem stressed the need to inspire hope and awareness among the younger generation.

He urged Pakistani youth to remain steadfast and optimistic, taking lessons from the Palestinian people’s determination to fight for their rights with patience and faith.

"Despite facing severe challenges, they stand firm, content with Allah’s will. Our youth should draw inspiration from their perseverance and not succumb to despair," he added.

Hafiz Naeem highlighted the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel, calling for the continued boycott of Israeli products. He stated that Al-Aqsa Mosque remains under Zionist control, but expressed hope for the future, praising the resilience of the youth in Gaza as a beacon of resistance and hope.

Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also criticized Pakistan's educational system, condemning how it has transformed into a profit-driven business. He said around 29 million children are out of school in the country due to poor policies.

He expressed concern that higher education is becoming inaccessible to the middle class, making it increasingly difficult for them to pursue quality education.

 He called on the government to ensure that education is available to all citizens and free from commercialization.

Highlighting the underdevelopment of Balochistan, he expressed his concern over the lack of healthcare facilities in the province. He also criticized the exorbitant fees of medical colleges, which he argued are depriving middle-class families of educational opportunities.

"Heavy tuition fees are preventing aspiring doctors from pursuing their dreams, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor," he stated.

 Addressing broader societal issues, Hafiz Naeem emphasized the collective responsibility of society to steer the younger generation away from drug abuse and other social problems. He advocated for focusing on education and character building to ensure a brighter future for Pakistan.

He lamented the declining number of doctors in the country, noting that many highly skilled professionals are forced to migrate abroad due to a lack of opportunities and incentives in Pakistan.

Hafiz also reflected on Pakistan’s 77-year history and acknowledged the loss of East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh.

He remarked that the people of Bangladesh were deceived into believing that they would gain more freedom by separating from Pakistan, a decision that was driven by a betrayal of trust.

"The real issue lies with the ruling class," Hafiz Naeem said, emphasizing that the rulers have no allegiance to any nation or language. He pointed out that the people of Bangladesh were misled into believing that they were being enslaved by India, but the citizens eventually rose to change their circumstances.

He questioned whether, given Pakistan’s current situation, its rulers would even have the option of being airlifted out of the country in times of crisis.

Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman stressed that the state must provide its citizens with peace and healthcare, fundamental responsibilities that the government must fulfill. "If the government cannot ensure peace for its people, what is the purpose of its existence?" he asked.

He further criticized the ruling elite for their failure to deliver these necessities to the public.