ISTANBUL, (daily paklish): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said the future of the Muslim world depends on knowledge, character, self-confidence and practical struggle, urging young people to make service to humanity the purpose of their lives.
Addressing the International Speech Forum as chief guest, organised by Turkish youth organisation YediHilal in Istanbul, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said Muslim youth must equip themselves with modern education, scientific research and technological skills while upholding ethical values and a commitment to public service.
Speaking on “Global Crises and the Future of the Muslim Ummah”, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said young people should not surrender to despair, fear and divisions but take responsibility for shaping the future through knowledge and action. He urged Turkish youth to use their country’s historical heritage and strategic geographical position to promote cooperation among different regions. He said Pakistan and Türkiye could strengthen youth cooperation in education, trade, technology, culture and humanitarian activities.
Envisioning a just Muslim society, he said children should not go hungry, economies should be free from exploitation and dependency, universities should serve humanity, women should have access to education and protection, and governments should be accountable to the people. He also called for freedom for Palestine, justice for Kashmiris and protection for minorities.
Referring to Gaza, the JI chief said destruction, forced displacement, hunger and collective punishment had exposed the contradictions in the international system’s claims of justice and human rights. Applying different standards to the powerful and the weak was contrary to the principles of justice, he added. He praised the resilience of the people of Gaza, saying the commitment shown by doctors, teachers, journalists, parents and children amid immense suffering offered lessons in human dignity, solidarity and hope.
He stressed that support for Palestine should go beyond temporary expressions of solidarity and include humanitarian assistance, political and diplomatic support, legal efforts and effective collective boycotts. Assistance to Palestinian educational, medical and relief institutions should also continue.
The JI Emir said the Muslim world should not limit its identity to victimhood but offer practical solutions and alternatives while resisting injustice, occupation, colonial oppression and Islamophobia. Justice, equality, compassion and human dignity must form the foundations of politics, economics, education and technology, he added.
Calling on young people to treat education as a means of serving humanity rather than merely obtaining degrees or jobs, he urged them to combine professional skills with honesty, integrity, courage, humility and discipline. He also emphasised the need to rise above sectarian, national, linguistic and class differences, saying unity did not mean uniformity but standing together on shared principles.
The JI Leader encouraged young people to participate actively in politics, law, administration, journalism and civic organisations, reject corruption and defend constitutional rights and the interests of vulnerable communities and minorities. He also urged them to develop expertise in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, digital media and renewable energy, using technology to address public problems, protect privacy and counter misinformation. He said the responsibility for ethical leadership extended beyond governments to educational institutions, media organisations, businesses and social movements, all of which must uphold honesty, merit and accountability.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that building a better future was a collective responsibility, adding that education, public service, opposition to corruption, support for the oppressed and efforts towards unity could lay the foundation for meaningful change.