Jamaat-i-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday called for local government elections to be held on time in Punjab, Dunya News reported.
While addressing a ceremony in Lahore, he termed the Punjab Local Government Act oppressive and undemocratic and demanded that all powers be given to local governments. He said real authority must reach the grassroots level.
Naeemur Rehman stressed that the bureaucracy should work under elected representatives, not above them. He added that officers should be placed under local governments and announced that Jamaat-i-Islami will hold a public referendum across Punjab on January 15 in support of a strong local government system.
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Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori conferred an honorary doctorate on Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), in recognition of his role in promoting political unity and strengthening ties with Islamic brother countries.
Recognition for political and religious leadership
Speaking at the ceremony, Tessori praised Maulana Fazlur Rehman for consistently offering solutions during political crises and maintaining a positive role in national matters. “All parties turn to Maulana in times of difficulty,” he said, adding that the honorary degree formally grants him the title of “Doctor Maulana Fazlur Rehman.”
Tessori highlighted Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s contributions to religious discourse, stating that his leadership in Islamic matters is respected both nationally and internationally. “Global powers view our religious scholars as a symbol of strength and influence,” he said.