LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that the ongoing erosion of democratic values in the country is deeply alarming, warning that the state`s persistent reliance on force to address political and constitutional issues only fuels instability.

Addressing participants of the `Haq Do Balochistan Ko Long March` outside the Lahore Press Club on Thursday, he stated that to prevent a major confrontation and avoidsending a negative message from Punjab to Balochistan, Jamaat-i-1slami opted for negotiations. However, he made it clear thatifthefederalgovernment`s negotiating committee fails to accept the demands of the march, he will personally join Maulana Hidayatur Rehman in leading the caravan to Islamabad, accompanied by JI workers and supporters from across Punjab.

Rehman urged the ruling elite to end injustice against the people of Balochistan, form a commission to address the issue of missing persons and recognise the rightful claim of the province`s people over their natural resources and minerals.

He demanded the opening of border trade with Iran and called on the government to complete the Iran-Pakistan gaspipeline project without succumbing to US pressure.

He criticised the hypocrisy of powerful people that preach constitutionalism while themselvesviolatingtheConstitution.

`Those responsible for extrajudicial killings cannot teach others about the rule of law,` he said. `Stop insulting the people of Balochistan in the name of security. Give respect to the Baloch. Rulers have no authority to distribute certificates of patriotism or treason.

JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem and JI Balochistan Chief Maulana Hidayatur Rehman also addressed the gathering.

Other prominent leaders present included JI Punjab (Central) chief Javed Kasuri, JI Lahore head Ziauddin Ansari Advocate, Central InformationSecretary Shakeel Turabi, and several others. Leaders from Jamaat-i-1slami`s women`s wing also joined the sit-in in solidarity, with Secretary General Dr.

Humaira Tariq addressing the crowd.

Criticising the Punjab government`s handling of the Long March, Rehman highlighted the stark contrast between the warm reception of the march by ordinary citizens from Fort Munro to Lahore, and the state`s attempts to block a peaceful, democratic protest. `Jamaat-i1slami chose the path of dialogue to prevent any negative fallout, otherwise dismantling police blockades would not have been difficult for us. Our history testifies that we have never surrendered before tyranny,` he said.

Hafiz Naeem called on thefederal government to fulfill its commitment, form the promised committee, and accept the legitimate demands of the march. He emphasised that the Jamaat will never compromise on the constitutional and democraticrights ofthe people.

He announced that in November, Maulana Hidayatur Rehman will address a massive gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan during the Jamaat`s All Pakistan Ijtema. Earlier, JI Balochistan Emir Hidayatur Rehman said that this is a peaceful protest, yet it is being said`we cannotgotoIslamabad.

This will not send the right message to Balochistan.

He said the government has only allowed them to protest outside the press club. He emphasised that Balochistan needs books, not guns.