LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has demanded the government to immediately resume work on the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project and ensure its completion without further delay.

Addressing a press conference at Mansoora on Thursday, the JI chief praised Iran for its firm resistance against Israeli and American aggression and lauded the unity of the Iranian people. He recalled how Pakistan humbled India last month and earned global recognition. “Now our rulers must abandon the fear of America and start work on the IP gas project.”

Rehman highlighted the shifting regional dynamics in the wake of the Iran-Israel war. He noted that India refrained from supporting Tehran, while Pakistan maintained a principled position.

“Time has come for Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Turkiye to form a regional defence alliance,” he urged, adding that this bloc should also include China and Russia to counter unilateral US hegemony and establish a powerful global front.

Seeks probe into Punjab audit report

The JI leader also called for investigation into massive financial irregularities uncovered in the audit report of Punjab and criticised the controversial sugar export-import cycle. He said the Sharif family had launched schemes only for personal publicity at tax payer’s expense. “The uncle-niece duo continues to deceive the nation in the name of progress,” he said.

Rehman demanded reduction in the interest rate this year, with its complete elimination next year. He urged the government to rationalise electricity tariffs based on production cost and called for transparency on dismantling exploitative IPP agreements.

No duties should be imposed on solar panels, he added. He condemned the government’s recommendation of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling it a betrayal of national dignity. “This nomination must be withdrawn immediately,” he demanded.

Reaffirming JI’s position on Kashmir, he said, “There can be no talks with India -- with or without Trump’s mediation -- without the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.”

He condemned Trump’s open support for Israeli atrocities in Gaza and criticised the silence of Muslim leaders. “Only a united Ummah can defeat the enemy. The OIC must rise to the occasion,” he emphasised. He saluted the people of Palestine for their historic resistance and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He said the government should allow Hamas to open an office in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2025