LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said on Friday that the absence of an effective local government (LG) system had severely undermined the country’s health, education and sports sectors, depriving young people of essential opportunities to grow and excel.
Speaking at the inauguration of an artificial-grass sports arena established by Alkhidmat Foundation, he said provincial governments continue to keep all resources under their control, while public schools and their playgrounds were either neglected or increasingly falling prey to land grabbers.
He said the government had failed to create pathways for youth development despite their immense potential in education, technology and sports.
“When playgrounds are active, hospitals remain empty,” he remarked, adding the lack of sports promotion, especially the dismantling of institutional sports in the past, had caused long-term damage.
Rehman called for a comprehensive and integrated national sports policy to revive healthy and competitive activities across the country. He said sports competitions between schools, colleges and universities should be regularly organised to create a constructive and competitive environment in society.
The JI chief also highlighted his party’s efforts to fill the gaps left by the state, adding: “Alkhidmat Foundation’s Z-Connect programme has been launched to equip young people with modern education, technology training, sports facilities and character-building initiatives”.
He noted that the foundation-led earlier initiative, Bano Qabil, had already registered 1.1 million boys and girls, prompting the JI and its charity to expand youth-focused programmes under Z-Connect. Future plans include providing interest-free loans for small businesses and creating employment opportunities for young people, he added.
Referring to the recent “Badal Du Nizam” public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan, Rehman said the JI was pursuing a nationwide struggle to replace the decaying system that exploited ordinary citizens. “Where we criticise, we also continue lighting our own lamps by offering opportunities to the youth,” he said, reaffirming the party’s commitment to building a great Pakistan with the support of its younger generation.
Alkhidmat Pakistan Vice President Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Mangat also addressed the ceremony.
