ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has urged the government not to become part of any so-called international peace force for Gaza, warning that such a move could be aimed at suppressing the Palestinian freedom struggle.

The warning came from JI emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman while addressing the “International Leadership Summit 2025” as chief guest here on Saturday. 

He said the nation must be taken into confidence regarding any secret agreements with the United States on Gaza-related matters. He stressed said lasting peace in Gaza was impossible without the complete withdrawal of Israel.

The two-day summit is being hosted by Islami Jamiat Talba Pakistan under the aegis of the International Islamic Federation of Students Organisations (IIFSO) with student leaders from over 20 countries in attendance.

The JI chief lamented that global affairs were dominated by a handful of world powers, reducing the United Nations to a mere puppet.

He criticised rulers of the Muslim world for failing to act in the interests of their own people and for safeguarding Western interests instead.

He said the world was facing deep crisis of justice, where two to three per cent of the population had held the rest of humanity hostage.

In such circumstances, he said, the youth, particularly in the Islamic world, are best positioned to lead humanity out of oppression and exploitation.

He said JI carries a global vision, noting that representatives of Islamic movements from across the world recently participated in the party’s general congregation, where a joint roadmap was developed to address challenges facing Pakistan, the Muslim world and the international community.

“Only the establishment of an Islamic system can ensure justice in the world,” he said, adding the US and the Western civilisation were witnessing a clear decline.

He said Israel had repeatedly violated peace agreements and that peace cannot be achieved unless Israel withdraws from Gaza.

He stated that Pakistan, being the only nuclear power in the Muslim world, must not become part of any agreement that strengthens Israel.

He regretted that many Muslim countries were ruled by forces serving Western interests, while failing to prioritise the needs of their own populations.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2025