Before the February 8 national elections, analysts pronounced the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to be the most well-liked party in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.
In an attempt to reclaim its original status and distinct identity, the politico-religious party has abandoned its past political practice of forming alliances with other parties after painful experiences. Instead, it has chosen to run for local and national office on its own election symbol, the “scale” (tarazu).
In a special election-related broadcast on Geo News, prominent journalists, political analysts, and anchors—Hamid Mir, Suhail Warraich, Shahzad Iqbal, Shahzeb Khanzada, and Irshad Bhatti, among others—praised JI and its Karachi chief, Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, for their political movements and performance.
“The Jamaat-e-Islami claims its popularity among masses in several constituencies based on Plus Consultant’s recent survey,” Mir stated in voicing his opinions during the special transmission. A strong social media campaign in support of Jamaat-e-Islami and the recent rainfall contributed to the political party’s rise in popularity.
Speaking on the same program, Shahzeb noted a significant shift in support for the politico-religious party in Karachi from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), both of which were created by Imran Khan, both before and after the local government (LG) elections.
The host of Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath said, “The most recent survey following the LG polls stated that Karachiites made their top priority to elect JI and Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman instead of the PTI or any other party, even though the former ruling party won several seats from the port city.”
Senior analyst and journalist Mazhar Abbas predicted that the JI Karachi would benefit politically from the port city’s heavy downpour after the party changed its approach two or three years ago by emphasizing speaking out on important issues affecting Pakistan’s economic center.
In spite of the fact that a number of well-known politicians are running for office on JI’s ticket in the next general elections, Mazhar acknowledged that concerns have also been expressed about the party’s new approach.
“Hafiz Naeem is contesting on two National Assembly (NA) seats from Karachi, one from his constituency North Nazimabad and another from Orangi Town,” the analyst stated, highlighting another potent political plan of the politico-religious group. The politician claims that his party brought up important problems for Biharis and that he wants to garner as many votes as possible from Orangi Town.
Another analyst, Irshad Bhatti, spoke to the special transmission and stated, “Hafiz Naeem had been stopped from becoming Karachi mayor through rigging, whereas, [Pakistan Peoples Party leader] Murtaza Wahab grabbed the mayoral post despite his lacked numbers.”
He attacked the election commission for not holding Islamabad municipal elections and for continuing to rig the Sindh LG polls.
A co-star in the same play, Suhail Warraich, noted that the politico-religious party adapted its political approach based on lessons learned from the past. “Names and pictures of JI’s heads were typically absent from the preceding election campaigns. By praising local leaders and candidates rather than only elevating the central leadership, they have altered the pattern.
This explains why images of Maulana Hidayatur Rehman in Gwadar, Balochistan, and Hafiz Naeem everywhere in Karachi. There has been a significant shift in JI’s plan to present the son of dirt.
Additionally, Warraich emphasized that JI candidates in every constituency would be well-known since residents in those districts and neighborhoods know them intimately.
The Siraj-led JI fielded a record 243 candidates on 272 NA seats in the upcoming general elections.
In addition, the party is fielding a record 531 candidates for 596 seats in provincial assemblies, a noteworthy development that might boost their representation in both national and local assemblies.
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