Political parties disappointed with Centre’s approach

Oppose crackdown, urge to negotiate

KARACHI: Political and religious parties have suggested the federal government resolve the Faizabad sit-in through dialogue rather than a crackdown against the protesters.

Reacting to the federal government’s action to disperse the protesters on Saturday, leaders of different political parties said the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N)-led government has mishandled the issue.

“The government is only serious about saving the ousted prime minister and his family. It is not interested in resolving issues through dialogue, which is the only solution,” Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary-General Waqar Mehdi said in a statement. He added that the countrywide protests were triggered by the federal government’s incompetence.

“We don’t support any extrajudicial steps and endorse the idea that the incumbent government should complete its five-year tenure, but unfortunately the PML-N has started confrontations with all institutions and political opponents, which has created this situation in the country,” he said.



The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) condemned the crackdown and suggested that dialogue be initiated with different political parties on this issue. “We believe in the finality of prophet-hood and are ready to render our lives for him, but the way the federal government is treating the protesters is not a viable solution,” said the Rabita Committee in a statement.

Jamaat-e-Islami, however, outright condemned the action against the protesters and demanded the government remove Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid, which is the prime demand of protesters.  “Tehreek-e-Labbaik protesters have accused the federal minister of being involved in removing the section pertaining to the finality of prophet-hood from the Constitution, so the government must take action against its minister,” said the party’s Karachi amir, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman.

He said if the government could remove Tariq Fatemi and Parvez Rashid then why has it failed to take action against Hamid. Rehman condemned the ban on social media. “The ban on social media shows that the government is too inept to resolve the issue,” he lamented.



PML-N, however, termed it a conspiracy against democracy and said action was being taken on the orders of the court. “A few handful people have paralysed the twin cities by staging a sit-in at Faizabad. Some elements are using this religious group to topple the government, but we will establish government writ and comply with court orders come what may,” said Babu Sarfaraz Jatoi, PML-N Sindh president. He added that the government has exercised all its options, including negotiation, but the protesters were unwilling to move from the area.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan has postponed his three days Karachi visit due to the law and order situation in the city. His party spokesperson in Sindh condemned the action and said, “The way the government has handled the situation shows that it has lost the state writ.”