**Jamaat-e-Islami Vows to Defend Ideological and Geographic Integrity Amid Economic Challenges: Dr. Tariq Saleem**
Jamaat-e-Islami Punjab chief Dr. Tariq Saleem has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to defending Pakistan’s ideological and geographic boundaries, emphasizing its role as a unifying force during times of national crisis. Speaking at a members’ convention in Kotla Gulyana, Dr. Saleem criticized the government’s economic policies and committed the party to championing the rights of the marginalized.
Dr. Saleem stated that Jamaat-e-Islami consistently sets aside all types of discrimination to stand in service of the nation and the wider Muslim community when challenges arise. He praised the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami’s national head, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, for advocating on behalf of the poor, laborers, farmers, and other underprivileged segments of society.
Addressing economic concerns, Dr. Saleem criticized the government for imposing heavy taxes on petrol, diesel, gas, and electricity, while allegedly granting free rein to the “sugar mafia,” enabling exploitation of the public. He also condemned substantial increases in perks and privileges for ministers, bureaucrats, judges, and military generals, arguing that the burden ultimately falls on ordinary citizens.
Dr. Saleem highlighted that Jamaat-e-Islami has seen a significant rise in membership nationwide. The party is now advancing to its second phase: forming public committees at the union council and ward levels. These committees, he asserted, will serve as efficient platforms for citizens to address and resolve their problems, offering hope to those afflicted by hardship.
Further criticizing the government, Dr. Saleem said that when international oil prices decline, relief is not passed on to the public, and instead, the ruling elite’s coffers benefit. He questioned how the privileged—who enjoy free fuel, electricity, and other facilities—could possibly understand the struggles of the poor. He accused authorities of making the public scapegoats in the name of averting bankruptcy and labeled the current fiscal measures as “the worst economic terrorism in the nation’s history.” According to Dr. Saleem, decisions made to appease the IMF have damaged the government’s reputation rather than improving it.
The convention was also addressed by Dr. Khalid Mehmood Saqib, Ansar Mahmood Dhool, Hafiz Asad Iqbal, Muhammad Shabbir Mirza, Hafiz Muhammad Ajmal, and others, who echoed similar concerns and reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to serving the nation.
