LOWER DIR: Jamaat-i-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that after suffering a humiliating defeat, India has become a question mark in the eyes of the world, while the armed forces gave a befitting response to the enemy, driven by the spirit of jihad and martyrdom.

He expressed these views while addressing the participants of the ‘India-Israel Murdabad March’ organised by JI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North at Pul Chowki in Chakdara.

For the first time, hundreds of women from across Malakand division took part in the march, alongside thousands of children, elderly citizens, and male and female party workers, making it a major show of strength.

Former JI chief Sirajul Haq, provincial emir Inayatullah Khan, Hamas representative Bilal Asfanj, Bakhtiar Maani, and others also addressed the gathering.

Jamaat holds ‘India-Israel Murdabad March’ in Chakdara

During his speech, Hafiz Naeem announced that JI would observe ‘Youm-i-Qadeer’ (Qadeer Day) on May 28 in conjunction with Youm-i-Takbeer, to honour the services of Pakistan’s late nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

He criticised former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa for not attending Dr Qadeer’s funeral, calling it a disgrace to a national hero.

While acknowledging serious disagreements with the current government on several issues, including deteriorating law and order in KP and Balochistan, the JI leader said his party stood united with the government and military when Pakistan was under external threat.

Hafiz Naeem lauded the Pakistan military for downing French Rafale jets and Israeli drones, claiming it as a blow to their technological superiority. He said the US remained a silent spectator while innocent Muslims were being killed daily in Gaza and Palestine, and only intervened when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suffered setbacks, with Donald Trump rushing to support his “friend India”.

He urged Pakistan’s leadership not to enter into any talks excluding Kashmir, warning that the nation would rise against any such move.

Speaking about JI’s political future, Hafiz Naeem declared that the party would not form alliances with any political group but would stand only with the people. He pledged that if given a public mandate, JI would eliminate all foreign debt and stabilise the economy within 10 years.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2025