Karachi (HRNW): Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi leader Munim Zafar Khan has strongly criticized the government, saying that the luxuries enjoyed by rulers are increasing day by day while millions of people continue to face poverty, inflation and a lack of basic facilities.
Munim Zafar Khan claimed that rulers receive billions of rupees worth of free petrol and gas, alleging that Rs280 billion in free petrol is allocated for the federal cabinet. He said that when the prime minister and ministers travel, they are accompanied by large vehicles and extensive security protocols, while a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line.
Referring to the deaths of 14 children at PIMS, the 259 deaths in the Ali Enterprises factory tragedy and the Gul Plaza fire, Munim Zafar Khan questioned who would be held accountable for such tragedies.
He alleged that no one had been held responsible in the Gul Plaza incident and said that traders who lost billions of rupees worth of assets had not received adequate attention from the authorities. He said the Gul Plaza and Baldia factory tragedies raised serious questions regarding fire safety measures, emergency preparedness and enforcement of safety regulations.
Munim Zafar Khan criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement, alleging that decades of political conflict between the two parties had damaged Sindh, particularly Karachi, while both parties are now political allies.
He said Karachi’s infrastructure is in a deteriorated condition and claimed that no significant increase had been made in the city’s water supply since 2003.
Munim Zafar Khan called for the establishment of new administrative units within the constitutional framework and demanded an empowered local government system. He alleged that the provincial government controls several departments, including the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).
He said the government had also taken responsibility for garbage collection but questioned whether adequate services were being delivered to citizens.
Munim Zafar Khan said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue raising its voice for citizens’ rights and demanded the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and measures to bring down inflation.
He said contacts with traders in small and large markets across Karachi were continuing. According to him, a traders’ convention will be held tomorrow at 3:00 pm, with Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman scheduled to participate.
He added that consultations with the business community were continuing and efforts would be made to ensure a strong response to the proposed strike.
Human Rights & Public Interest Perspective
Inflation, poverty, access to clean water, urban infrastructure and a safe business environment are closely connected to citizens’ economic and social rights. Transparency, accountability and public interest should remain central to the use of public resources, while effective safety measures in industrial and commercial areas are essential to protect human life.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on statements and allegations made by Munim Zafar Khan. The political claims and figures mentioned in the report reflect the position presented by the speaker. The response of the relevant government or political institutions may be incorporated if officially provided.
