KARACHI: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rahman on Saturday emphasised the national unity as need of the hour, in the aftermath of what he described as a “false flag operation” by India in Pahalgam.

Speaking at a press conference held at Idara Noor-i-Haq, he strongly condemned the statement of United States Vice President JD Vance who said Washington hoped that India’s response to the recent attack in India-held Kashmir did not lead to a broader regional conflict.

Terming the statement highly controversial and irresponsible, Hafiz Naeem demanded the federal government to summon the US envoy over the comments that gave an impression that the US supported the Indian version of the Pahalgam attack.

He thanked China for its unequivocal support to Pakistan over the issue. He further said that India was running away, instead of responding positively to the Pakistani demand for a neutral investigation into the incident.

JI chief condemns JD Vance’s highly controversial statement, demands response on state level

The JI leader also demanded Islamabad to mobilise the diplomatic front in connection with illegal, unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India.

He said that in the heat of the moment and rising tensions with India, the nation could not neglect the humanitarian crises unfolded in Gaza as a result of the US sponsored Israeli genocide.

He strongly condemned the troika of the US, India and Israel for their crimes against humanity.

He further said that after long marches in all the major cities of Pakistan and a historical strike for the cause of Palestine and Gaza, the JI is going to organise big Gaza solidarity marches in Abbotabad and Malakand on May 17 and 18.

He also condemned Israel for attacking a flotilla near Malta that was aimed to bring aid to Gaza.

The JI leader vowed to continue the boycott of Israeli products and stressed the need to promote local products.

He also highlighted the Mera Brand Pakistan initiative to promote the local brands against Israeli products.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2025