JI steadfast in opposition to NRO

Liaquat Baloch says ‘sacred cows will not be given deals’

QUETTA: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Secretary General Liaquat Baloch underscored the importance of impartial accountability while asserting that his party will challenge attempts to give a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) –like deal to those who looted the country’s wealth.

Baloch also lashed out at the government over its performance as well as the leadership’s attitude while addressing a news conference on Thursday. “A group of sacred cows are getting richer but poor people in the country are being suppressed by rising inflation,” he said.

The JI leader also weighed in on speculations regarding the reversal of the 18th Amendment, saying any such attempts would amount to putting the country on a dangerous path. “18th Amendment is the only source for small provinces to get their due rights,” he said.

He also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf over its handling of the Public Accounts Committee issue as well as others on an ad hoc basis.

Sharing his views on National Action Plan (NAP), the JI leader underscored the need to set directions for direct impact of NAP to restore the sense of security among the masses.



Replying to a query regarding Local Government (LG) elections, Baloch said that the prime minister announced that they would be held in six months but practically there hasn’t been any progress on that front. “We would approach the Supreme Court regarding LG elections,” he added.

While speaking about regional issues, he said that global and regional actors must tread carefully as the issues of Afghanistan and Kashmir are in the final stages of decision while the US has acknowledged defeat in Afghanistan and seeking safe exit. “Any mistake at this juncture could be devastating,” he said.

Provincial party chief Maulana Abdul Haq Hashmi along with party leaders and workers were also present in the news conference.