Upcoming elections: ASWJ, JUI-S, three others form alliance

Field 130 candidates for NA consituencies; reveal manifesto.

ISLAMABAD: The Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), former Sipah-e-Sahaba-Pakistan (SSP) of Maulana Azam Tariq and four other religious parties, including the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUP) have formed an electoral alliance, namely the Muttahida Deeni Muhaaz (MDM).

The alliance has decided to field 130 candidates from across the country to contest the upcoming elections for National Assembly consituencies. “We have decided, with consensus, to get seat adjustment with any other parties that share our manifesto,” said the chief of JUI-S, Maulana Samiul Haq, who is also the chairman of MDM. He Addressing the media here on Monday, Haq also unveiled the manifesto of the MDM at the occasion.

“The MDM alliance aims for the establishment of the true Islamic system of caliphate in Pakistan and implementation of Shariah in the country that was created in the name of Islam,” he said.

The JUI-S chief further said that, if elected, the alliance would eliminate all laws contrary to Islamic laws besides implementing the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).

The alliance’s government would not allow any amendments in the 22 Islamic provisions of 1973’s constitution that were formulated by 31 religious scholars. “Non-Muslims and apostates will be banned from main public office jobs in Pakistan,” said the MDM chairman. “The president, prime minister, chief justice, senate chairman, national assembly speaker, all forces’ chiefs, provincial governors, chief ministers and heads of intelligence agencies will have to be male Sunni Muslim,” he added.

Haq said that they would not allow any verbal or written critique on Islam or any of its orders and faith.

He also said the Muhaaz will establish a system of accountability on federal and provincial levels that would urge people to offer prayers five times a day in the mosque.

Furthermore, co-education would be banned and religious seminaries would be further developed. “All education facilities will be equally available to every citizen without class difference. The children of labourers and farmers will be given free education,” said Haq.

He said the MDM aims to take Pakistan out of the influence the US. “We will stop drone attacks besides blocking Pakistan’s logistic support to Nato and its allies,” said Haq.

The MDM government would provide complete moral support to Taliban in Afghanistan and people of Kashmir in their independence movement, the Muhaaz chief added.