ABBOTTABAD: Jamaat-i-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Saturday urged the government to strengthen ties with China, Russia, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkiye to counter the US influence and maintain regional balance.

Addressing a public gathering held under the banner of “Defence of Pakistan and Gaza Martyrs Million March” here, Mr Rehman underscored the importance of regional unity and said a robust foreign policy based on mutual cooperation and resistance to Western dominance was crucial for Pakistan’s future.

He said in order to break the US monopoly and ensure a balanced power structure in the region, Pakistan must form solid friendships with the neighbouring and like-minded nations.

The JI emir emphasised the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and rejected “any form of mediation not grounded in this framework.”

This will help counter US influence, maintain regional balance, says Rehman

“No compromise on Kashmir will be acceptable to us. If any ruler tries to bargain over Kashmir, the nation will rise in unity as it did on May 10 [against Indian aggression],” he said.

Mr Rehman claimed that Pakistan’s forces “destroyed 80 Israeli-tech drones” and successfully pushed back against India’s advances following the Pahalgam incident.

He lauded the response of armed forces to Indian military strikes and stressed the importance of maintaining diplomatic strength in tandem with military achievements.

The JI emir cautioned against “divisive propaganda and rebellion within Pakistan,” saying unity is critical in the face of external threats.

“The youth must not fall prey to the enemy’s agendas. There are internal grievances, but when the enemy attacks, we must be one nation,” he said.

Mr Rehman criticised past governments for aligning with the US post-9/11 and said the rulers dragged Pakistan into a war that wasn’t Pakistan’s.

“We must not repeat this mistake,” he said.

The JI chief reaffirmed solidarity with Palestine, criticised American support for Israel and condemned global silence over the Gaza conflict.

“The liberation of Gaza is our cause. The day Muslim rulers reclaim their honour, Israel will collapse,” he said.

Mr Rehman demanded the continued boycotts of Israeli products and encouraged Muslim unity against Israeli aggression.

He reiterated the Jamaat-i-Islami’s “commitment to an Islamic system of governance,” calling for an end to “lotocracy” and wealth-based politics.

“It’s time the people join hands with our party. Together, we will bring about a revolution. This Pakistan will lead a global Islamic awakening,” he said.

The JI emir assured the people of Hazara that their issues would be resolved by the party after coming to power.

“We will work for the welfare of the Hazara region,” he said.

The rally was also addressed by Hazara region JI emir Abdul Razaq Abbasi and district leaders from Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra and Battagram.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2025