LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that if the ruling elite continue to sustain the oppressive system and deny people their democratic right, public anger will erupt with consequences the powerful will be unable to contain.

Talking to the media after addressing the concluding ceremony of Bukhari Sharif at Jamia Markaz Uloom-e-Islamia on Thursday, Rehman demanded the establishment of a genuinely empowered local government system and the removal of all restrictions on democratic freedoms.

He said the country’s youth were being pushed into despair as access to education and employment continued to shrink, while electricity, gas and fuel prices were rising relentlessly. He criticised what he termed a decaying judicial system, further weakened by amendments that had tightened the elite’s control, and said the economy remained trapped in an interest-based framework that benefitted only a few.

Referring to the newly-introduced local government law in Punjab, he called it a black law imposed at a time when people were already struggling to survive. He said JI considered resistance against this unjust and exploitative system a national and moral obligation.

Mr Rehman cautioned rulers to read the situation carefully and address people’s grievances, warning that once public frustration turns into open revolt, force and weapons would not be able to suppress it. “When lawful avenues are blocked, people are pushed towards unlawful means,” he said, urging authorities to respect public opinion and restore people’s rightful voice in governance.

He also criticised Pakistan’s ruling circles for their eagerness to seek the favour of US President Donald Trump, despite his role in advancing a new colonial order, providing blanket protection to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite international court rulings, and actions against Venezuela’s leadership. He said Pakistan’s rulers must represent the aspirations of their own people instead of seeking foreign approval.

The JI chief, earlier, urged religious scholars and students to rise above sectarian differences and unite the Ummah on common principles. He emphasised that spreading knowledge, strengthening outreach to ordinary people and accelerating the struggle for the establishment of Deen were among the most noble traditions of Islam.

Reaffirming JI’s commitment to peaceful political resistance, Mr Rehman cited the example of JI Bangladesh, saying that despite severe repression under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, steadfast and patient struggle ultimately forced the dictator to flee. He also referred to the resistance of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood as examples of resilience against oppression.

“Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan stands firmly with the people and will continue to raise its voice for their rights,” he said, adding that the struggle for the supremacy of a just and rightful system would be intensified.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2026