LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has criticized the Punjab government’s public welfare initiatives, arguing that long-term policy reforms, rather than short-term schemes, are needed to address the country’s economic and social challenges.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, the JI leader said that sustainable governance depends on effective policies and institutional reforms instead of temporary relief programs.
LPG and Fuel Prices
Hafiz Naeem claimed that the official price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is around Rs241 per kilogram, while consumers in many areas are allegedly paying close to Rs500 per kilogram.
He also criticized the government’s energy policies, alleging that many households have been forced to rely on LPG cylinders because of limited access to natural gas.
Referring to petroleum prices, he noted that the government recently reduced fuel prices by Rs1.97 per litre, but argued that consumers continue to bear a significant tax burden on petrol.
According to the JI chief, a large proportion of Pakistan’s population relies on motorcycles for daily transportation, making fuel taxation particularly burdensome for lower- and middle-income households.
He asserted that motorists are paying more than Rs100 in taxes per litre of petrol and claimed that, in his party’s view, petrol prices should not exceed Rs225 per litre.
Hafiz Naeem also said that public pressure and peaceful protests play an important role in influencing government decisions on fuel pricing.
Tax Administration
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader called for improvements in tax administration, saying that stronger enforcement by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) could broaden the tax base and reduce the burden on lower-income citizens.
He criticized government officials for what he described as poor administrative performance and urged reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability.
Concerns Over Agriculture
Hafiz Naeem also highlighted challenges facing Pakistan’s agricultural sector, stating that farmers continue to struggle with rising input costs and unstable returns.
He said fertilizer prices remain inadequately regulated and alleged that sugarcane growers often do not receive full payment for their crops. He further expressed concern over what he described as a historic decline in cotton cultivation.
According to him, stronger agricultural policies are needed to support farmers and improve food security.
Education and Public Services
The JI chief criticized the outsourcing of government schools and colleges, arguing that the policy could make education less accessible for ordinary citizens.
He claimed that more than 10 million children in Punjab remain out of school and stressed that providing free and quality education is a constitutional responsibility of the state.
He also expressed concern over funding for public universities, saying higher education institutions require adequate financial support to maintain academic standards.
Criticism of Government Policies
During the press conference, Hafiz Naeem argued that the Punjab government is relying on schemes that benefit only a limited segment of the population instead of pursuing comprehensive policy reforms.
He alleged that influential interest groups continue to dominate various sectors and maintained that Jamaat-e-Islami would continue advocating for policies focused on the welfare of the broader public.
The statements reflect the political position of the Jamaat-e-Islami leadership. The Punjab government has not responded to these remarks in the context of this report.
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