LOWER DIR: Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that political parties, the federal government and the provincial government should set aside their differences and focus on the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people in the province. He said the recent floods caused massive devastation in Malakand and Buner, wiping out entire villages.

Speaking to media at the Chakdara Interchange during a visit to Buner and Bajaur districts the other day, Hafiz Naeem was accompanied by Al-Khidmat Foundation president Dr Hafeezur Rehman, JI central chief in the province Abdul Wasi, Al-Khidmat Foundation (North) president Fazal Mehmood, Lower Dir president Hafeezullah Khaksar, and other leaders.

He said he had spoken to the prime minister and the KP chief minister regarding the rehabilitation of flood-hit families and stressed that both provincial and federal governments must work jointly for the calamity victims’ assistance.

“If the government fails to honour its promises regarding the rehabilitation of flood victims and traders, the JI will launch a protest movement.

Mr Naeem said that relief operations must remain transparent and free from corruption.

He said Al-Khidmat Foundation volunteers were actively engaged in relief efforts and had dispatched a convoy of 21 trucks carrying relief goods worth Rs100 million to the affected areas.

He called upon the federal and provincial governments, as well as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), to play their immediate role in rehabilitation. “This is not a time for differences but for unity,” he remarked.

Responding to a question, Hafiz Naeem clarified that Jamaat-i-Islami does not support terrorists, but it opposes military operations as they are not a permanent solution to the problems. He added that Pakistan must review its policies and free itself from dependence on the United States, saying: “We have lost much in America’s war; now it is time to break free from this slavery.”

RELIEF PACKAGES: The Al-Khidmat Foundation has dispatched a large convoy of relief goods worth Rs100 million for the families affected by floods in Malakand division.

Speaking to reporters in Chakdara here the other day, Al-Khidmat Foundation president Dr Hafeezur Rehman said that 21 trucks loaded with essential supplies had been sent to the worst-hit areas of Buner, Bajaur and Shangla. The relief consignment includes bedding, blankets, kitchen sets, coolers, jerrycans, mobile water filtration plants, food packages and four mobile health units equipped with doctors and paramedics.

He said thousands of volunteers of Al-Khidmat Foundation and Jamaat-i-Islami are actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation activities, providing both immediate assistance and long-term support to the displaced families.

Dr Rehman emphasized that transparency, speed, and community involvement remain central to Al-Khidmat’s relief operations. He said that the foundation would continue its efforts until the victims were properly rehabilitated.

The relief packages were dispatched from Chakdara in the presence of Hafiz Rehman, who praised the volunteers’ dedication and urged NDMA and PDMA to step up their response to floods.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025