JI chief slams Muslim rulers’ silence on Gaza, urges Pakistan to recognize Hamas

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman on Sunday criticized the country’s ruling elite and Muslim world leaders for their silence over Israel’s aggression in Gaza, saying they “fear even mentioning Hamas” while seeking the approval of the United States.

Addressing a massive Gaza Solidarity March in Karachi, the JI chief said that Pakistan’s official policy, in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, recognizes only one state — Palestine.

“There is no such thing as Israel — everything that bears that name is occupied Palestine,” he declared, adding that Pakistan’s rulers must uphold this stance.

Hafiz Naeem lamented that while the people of Gaza continue to sacrifice their lives, neighboring Muslim countries have become “silent spectators and slaves of America.”

“Even those nations proud of their nuclear power and armies are busy flattering Washington,” he said.

The JI leader defended Hamas, calling it a legitimate resistance movement rather than a terrorist organization.

“Under the UN Charter, Hamas has every right to defend its people against oppression. There is no difference between the people of Gaza and Hamas,” he said.

He urged the government of Pakistan to officially recognize Hamas and allow the group to open an office in the country, adding that other Muslim nations should do the same.

Criticizing Western powers, Hafiz Naeem said: “America was built on the corpses of millions. It has killed innocent people around the world and continues to shield Israel’s crimes in Gaza. The same Tony Blair who lied about Iraq is now being involved again.”

He also condemned the United States’ consistent use of its veto power to block UN resolutions against Israel, saying this exposes the hypocrisy of the international system.

“The UN system denies real democracy. It cannot resolve these crises,” he remarked.

Concluding his speech, the JI chief warned Pakistan’s rulers to act in accordance with the people’s aspirations, cautioning that defying national sentiment could lead to dire consequences.

He also noted that Hamas refuses foreign domination but continues to engage in diplomatic efforts, pointing to the ongoing Cairo talks as proof that “the only true force standing firm today is Hamas.”