JI invites Raheel Sharif to join party

Says former army chief could change politics through his vision

LAHORE: Parliamentary Leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in the Punjab Assembly, Dr Waseem Akhtar, has invited former army chief General Raheel Sharif to join his party and introduce positive changes in politics.

He said this during Punjab Assembly proceedings on Thursday. Dr Akhtar asked the former army chief to help JI change the face of politics the same way he (Sharif) altered the fate of the nation through a military operation against terrorism.



While speaking on a supplementary question during the question hour, he said after spending two years as army chief, Raheel Sharif should join the JI.

Reacting to the statement of the JI leader, Provincial Minister Nadeem Kamran said, “Such an offer is against the system of the JI as its workers and leaders come up from the grass-roots level. “What sort of position would be given to Raheel Sharif if he joins them (JI)?”

Sensing the nature of the issue, Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Iqbal stopped both members from arguing on the matter.



On Thursday, the house also passed four amendment bills, including the Punjab Criminal Prosecution Service (Constitution, functions and powers amendment) Bill 2016, Parks and Horticulture Authority (amendment) Bill 2016, Punjab Halal Development Agency Bill 2016,and Punjab Animal Feed Stuff and Compound Feed Bill 2016.

A general discussion on the agricultural sector was held in the house during which different legislatures spoke. Later, the speaker adjourned the session till November 2 (today) at 9am.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2016.