Siraj warns political tussle may 'wrap up' fragile democracy

JI chief asks the ruling party to show restraint, allow political workers to exercise democratic right of protest

LAHORE:

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq has advised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led unity government to show restraint and learn from the past, amid reports of attempts made by the ruling political party to contain the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) 'Haqeeqi Azadi March'.

In a statement released from the party's headquarters in Mansoora, Lahore on Wednesday, Siraj warned that the extreme position taken by the parties could lead to the wrapping up of the already fragile democracy in the country.

The JI chief also noted that the Constitution allowed every citizen and political party to hold a peaceful protest, asking the government not to use state machinery and police force to stop the ongoing agitation.

He further said that he had advised PTI Chairman Imran Khan to introduce electoral reforms and announce elections when his party was in power, adding that the JI is demanding the same from the incumbent coalition government.

Siraj held the "three ruling parties" responsible for the political unrest. They, he added, brought the country to a point where the economy was almost dead and unemployment was rampant.

Also read: Rashid vows to remove obstacles in route of 'Haqeeqi Azadi March'

He noted that the ruling elite capturing the country’s resources for decades only accumulated wealth, ignoring the problems of the time.

The parties, he added, ruling Punjab, Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces were trying to befool the masses again.

"On one hand, they are seeking the help of the 'neutrals' while on the other, asking institutions to stay away from politics." He further said the parties were fighting for self-interests and had been badly exposed.

Siraj reiterated that the JI was the only option left to the people, having the ability to bring real change.

The JI chief also condemned the sentence of life imprisonment to Kashmir leader Yasin Malik by the puppet courts of India and urged the government to approach international human rights organisations and courts for the release of the Hurriyat leader.