Jamaat-e-Islami Leader Calls for Pakistan to Support Iran-US Talks, Criticizes Economic Policies
Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, urged Pakistan to support ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, cautioning against being misled by US President Donald Trump, on Wednesday. He also voiced strong criticism of the government’s economic policies, particularly the petroleum levy and expenditures.
Support for Iran-US Negotiations
Addressing a press conference at Mansoorah, Rehman stated that Washington’s willingness to negotiate signifies a “defeat” and Iran’s success. He questioned why the US had not secured access to the Strait of Hormuz if its objectives had been met, highlighting Iran’s firm stance on the crucial waterway. He also emphasized the continued resistance of the Palestinian people, calling for international legal action against Trump and Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing over 90,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza over the past two and a half years, with women and children comprising 70% of the casualties.
Criticism of Domestic Economic Policies
Rehman strongly condemned the government’s economic policies, specifically the petroleum levy, labeling it unjust. He argued that approximately Rs900 billion is collected from the lower and middle classes, with around 25 million motorcyclists disproportionately bearing the burden. He demanded the immediate abolition of the levy and a reduction in fuel prices.
He further criticized government spending, citing reports of an Rs11 billion aircraft purchase for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the provision of expensive vehicles to the bureaucracy as unjustified. He urged the chief minister to sell the aircraft and deposit the funds into the national exchequer, and suggested officials utilize smaller vehicles.
Call for Regional Unity and Pipeline Activation
Rehman called for the activation of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project to address the energy crisis and advocated for a unified foreign policy involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye, and Gulf states to counter the influence of the US and Israel. He also demanded investigations into agreements with independent power producers and the closure of thermal plants to reduce electricity costs.
Planned Protests
The JI chief announced plans to organize peaceful protests to advocate for relief in fuel prices and address other public concerns. Senior leaders, including Ziauddin Ansari, Javed Qasuri, and Sajid Namoos, were also present at the press conference.
Recent JI Statements on US Involvement
This call for support of negotiations follows previous statements by Rehman urging Pakistan to distance itself from US initiatives. On March 10, 2026, he warned against Pakistan joining Trump’s ‘Peace Board’, stating that Israel’s potential defeat of Iran could lead to its border extending to Pakistan [Dawn]. Similarly, on March 5, 2026, Rehman called on the government to withdraw from the “so-called Board of Peace,” accusing the US and Israel of launching a war against Iran [Pakistan Today]. He also urged Pakistan to back Iran-US talks, warning against “falling for the deception” of US President Donald Trump [The Tribune].
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