Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, has condemned the recent 26th Amendment, claiming it distorts the foundational structure of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution. Speaking at Idara Noor-e-Haq in Karachi on Monday, he argued that the amendment, passed by a form-47-based assembly, has tampered with the judiciary through a contentious mechanism. Flanked by JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar and leaders Saifuddin Advocate, Muslim Pervez, and Raja Arif Sultan, Rehman criticized the amendment for renewing controversy over judicial appointments, particularly regarding judge seniority. “The mechanism has increased governmental control over the judiciary, politicizing it and altering its character,” he said, adding that the amendment undermines democratic freedoms. The JI leader revealed that the party has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the amendment and has called for a full court bench and live-streaming of the proceedings. He also claimed that non-government votes in favor of the amendment suggested “corruption and conscience trading.” Beyond the amendment, Rehman raised concerns about the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), labeling it a “mockery” of the nation. He pointed out that PIA, valued at Rs152 billion in assets and Rs202 billion in royalties, was bid at only Rs10 billion. Rehman argued that this low bid does not reflect PIA’s true worth, and criticized political leaders for treating the national asset frivolously. Holding previous governments accountable, the JI leader also denounced policies affecting other state institutions, including Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), which he said was profitable until gas supply was halted in 2008 under former PM Nawaz Sharif. He highlighted what he called a mismanagement pattern in state-owned assets, citing the sale of K-Electric at undervalued rates and excessive payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Rehman further criticized recent government spending, including Rs1.75 billion allocated for aircraft maintenance for the Prime Minister and President, remarking that “the rulers are a bigger burden on the national exchequer than state institutions.” He also highlighted issues like the ongoing gas crisis, a struggling law and order situation, and corruption in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), totaling Rs1,299 billion, as markers of failed governance. Rehman pledged that the JI would represent public interests in court and fight for accountability on these pressing national issues.
