LAHORE: The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Sunday formally launched a nationwide “Change the System Movement,” concluding its three-day Ijtima-e-Aam in Lahore with a call for sweeping political and administrative reforms centered on strengthening local governments.
JI Emir Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the initiative while addressing the final session of the gathering, which, according to the party, was attended by delegates from more than 45 countries. He said the movement would feature rallies, marches and sit-ins across the country aimed at promoting a shift in political authority from the bureaucracy to elected local bodies.
Terming empowered local governments “the need of the hour,” the JI chief urged party leaders in Punjab to spearhead a campaign for local government elections. He said the struggle for decentralisation was not limited to Punjab, adding that Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also suffered from an “elite capture” of power.
“The local government system is the need of the time and our principal demand,” he said, arguing that JI’s success would benefit Pakistan by ensuring stronger grassroots representation.
Ameer JIP Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, in his closing speech at the General Convention at Minar-e-Pakistan, declared that the exploitative and class-based system,and a structure willing to bargain Kashmir and Palestine will no longer be accepted.
Jamaat-e-Islami is the only party that… pic.twitter.com/TH7HQL1o5U
— Jamaat e Islami Pakistan (@JIPOfficial) November 23, 2025
Outlining the organisational goals of the new movement, Engr Rehman said the party planned to enlist five million new members and establish 15,000 public committees nationwide. He also demanded constitutional protection for the local government system and instructed the JI’s Punjab chapter to prepare for a sit-in outside the provincial assembly.
Addressing broader political issues, the JI chief rejected the proposed 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, describing them as efforts to undermine the 1973 Constitution. He vowed that the party would resist any attempt to manipulate or “hijack” future elections.
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He further stated that the JI opposed banning political parties, saying that democratic participation should not be curtailed through prohibitions. He added that the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) should not be banned and reiterated that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan should not remain imprisoned for political reasons.
The JI maintained that its “Change the System Movement” aims to foster political accountability, strengthen democratic institutions at the local level and challenge what it views as systemic barriers to effective governance. Party leaders said preparations for nationwide mobilisation would begin immediately.
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