JI Chief Hafiz Naeem Slams Exploitation in Resource-Rich Balochistan
LORALAI: Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly criticised the continued deprivation of the people of Balochistan despite the province’s vast natural resources, calling it one of the greatest injustices in the country.
Speaking at the entry test ceremony of Al-Khidmat Foundation’s Bano Qabil programme in Loralai, the JI chief said Balochistan possesses huge reserves of coal, marble, and other valuable minerals, yet local communities remain deprived of basic rights and development.
“Despite having massive reserves of coal and marble, the local people are getting nothing,” Hafiz Naeem said, adding that the exploitation of the province’s resources had created frustration and anger among the people of Balochistan.
He urged the youth of Balochistan to move forward and become part of national progress.
“The entire country belongs to the youth of Balochistan. Join hands with us so that together we can eliminate this exploitative system,” he said.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief highlighted the education crisis in the province, stating that more than 35,000 children in Loralai alone were out of school.
He said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees free and quality education up to matriculation, but a class-based education system was being imposed instead.
Hafiz Naeem also criticised the government for failing to establish effective energy cooperation with neighbouring Iran, saying a virtual gas pipeline could easily provide gas to different parts of Balochistan.
On economic issues, he criticised the taxation system, claiming that poor motorcyclists were heavily taxed while influential feudal lords and landlords continued to avoid taxes.