LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Gaza peace plan’, calling it a declaration for the revival of colonialism, warning the Pakistani government of any move toward recognising Israel, saying that such a step will face resistance at every level.
Addressing a press conference at Mansoora here on Thursday, flanked by other JI leaders, including Liaqat Baloch, Ameerul Azeem and Shakil Turabi, the JI emir demanded that the government immediately declare its unwavering support for the establishment of a single, independent Palestinian state. “Anyone going against the principled stance of Quaid-e-Azam and 250 million Pakistanis will be seen as bargaining the blood of the oppressed and siding with Israel,” he said.
Condemning the Israeli navy’s assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the detention of aid workers, the JI chief announced a nationwide protest on Friday (today) against Trump’s plan and the Israeli attack.
He further announced that the JI would hold a “Palestine Million March” in Lahore on October 4, in Karachi on October 5, and all over the country on October 7.
Rehman also criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for expressing support for Trump’s plan even before it was formally unveiled, terming it a new peak of flattery and submission.
He cautioned the government against advancing toward the Abraham Accords, reminding it of a century-long stance of Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other figures.
He reiterated JI’s recognition of Hamas as a democratic and legitimate resistance movement. Disarming Hamas, he warned, would expose Palestinians to the same fate as Bosnian Muslims at the hands of Serbs. “Jamaat-e-Islami will endorse Hamas’ stance on the so-called peace deal,” he added, stressing that any compromise on Palestine would also undermine Pakistan’s principled position on Kashmir.
On the situation in Azad Kashmir, Rehman expressed solidarity with protesters, urging the government to address their legitimate demands wisely. He also appealed to demonstrators to continue their political resistance peacefully and avoid violence, warning that unrest could weaken the Kashmiri cause. He acknowledged that the demand to abolish 12 reserved assembly seats for Kashmiri refugees holds merit to some extent, adding that the JI central leadership is in contact with JI’s AJK Emir Dr Mushtaq Khan and government ministers to help resolve the issue.
Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2025