LAHORE – Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has strongly condemned the use of police against the peaceful protest of farmers in Lahore, demanding the immediate release of detained farmers and the fulfillment of their demands. Addressing an event in honor of laborers to commemorate May Day in Mansoorah on Wednesday, he slammed the ruling elite for their monopolization of state resources. He emphasized that the oppressed have no choice but to participate in peaceful resistance, extending the JI platform to farmers, laborers, and the general population. “Our doors are open to all who wish to stand with us against the corrupt system,” he declared. Rehman criticized the former caretaker government for importing wheat worth a billion dollars under the pretext of stock shortage, only to now neglect to buy wheat from farmers. He expressed unwavering support for the farmers, highlighting their dire situation. Highlighting the plight of labourers, daily wage earners, working women, domestic workers, and low-level government employees, Rehman alleged that their rights were violated while the ruling elite enjoyed all the luxuries the country had to offer. He denied the difference, stating that the ruling class benefits from free electricity, petrol, and gas, while burdening the poor with unjust taxes. Rehman criticized the fraudulent mandate on which the current government was formed, based on Form 47, and lamented the nepotism evident in the distribution of government jobs among family members. He accused the governors of exploiting the masses while seeking loans from different countries at the same time, continuing a cycle of dependency. Showing a facade of unity among the ruling class, Rehman claimed they were united in protecting their interests while deliberately dividing the public. He stressed that the corrupt system was no longer sustainable. Criticizing political parties as dynastic entities where ordinary individuals could never ascend to important positions, Rehman proclaimed the JI as an exception, where equal opportunities were provided to all.
