Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has demanded the reopening of border crossings with Afghanistan the legalisation of trade with Iran and the completion of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project saying these steps are essential for economic stability and public relief.
Addressing a public gathering in Zhob under the slogan ‘Badal Do Nizam’ meaning ‘Change the System’ Rehman announced that JI would launch a nationwide strike after Eidul Azha against what he called unjust increases in petrol and electricity prices. He appealed to the people and business community of Balochistan to fully support the strike.
He said Jamaat-i-Islami has solutions to the problems faced by Balochistan and the rest of the country and urged the public to support the party’s movement for systemic change and an end to the rule of the ‘imposed elite class’.
Rehman proposed the formation of a joint committee consisting of tribesmen and traders from both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to help reopen crossings in Chaman and other border areas.
He also called for the establishment of special border trade zones and suggested giving tribes the responsibility of maintaining peace and protecting trade routes.
Criticising current border policies he said the border was selectively opened at night for the benefit of a few people while thousands continued to suffer economically. He stressed that trade with Iran especially petroleum products should be regularised through legal channels.
Speaking at the gathering JI Balochistan chief and MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch said the province’s resources should be used for the welfare of its people. He said Jamaat-i-Islami could resolve issues including missing persons border closures unemployment insecurity and corruption if given public support.
He strongly condemned the recent bomb blast in Quetta and questioned the failure of authorities to ensure public safety despite heavy spending on security institutions.
He also expressed concern over reports of coal trucks being set on fire in Harnai and Loralai and called on the Balochistan government to compensate affected traders and ensure the protection of commercial activities.
