Party chief urges authorities to ensure favourable security situation. PHOTO: FILE
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Munawar Hassan on Saturday asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to keep a close eye on the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), fearing it may rig the elections.
Addressing party activists on the second day of a three-day convention held by Ishaat-e-Tauheed Wa Sunnah in Panjpir, Swabi, Hassan said JI trusts the Supreme Court and ECP as both of them are in the favour of a free and transparent election process.
He, however, alleged the MQM was involved in systematic rigging and maintained the ECP needs to keep a close watch on it.
Talking about the pre-election scenario, the JI chief said due to uncertainty and grim law and order across the country, people are scared to go out to vote. They are afraid whether they would make it back alive or not, he added.
“Law and order in Karachi and other provinces should be maintained so the people can cast votes in a peaceful environment.”
Hassan claimed the masses will play a major role in the elections and they must elect JI candidates to ensure the country’s development and a bright and secure future.
“It would be foolish to elect those who have been elected before,” the leader said, claiming the JI would overcome the energy crisis, poverty, unemployment and price hike within a short time.
Criticising both provincial and federal governments, Hassan said Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) election manifesto promising roti (food), kapra (clothing) and makaan (housing) was a crude joke.
“The PPP has been in power four times, but instead of implementing its claims, it has practically snatched the basic necessities of life from the people,” the JI chief stated.
JI deputy chief Sirajul Haq, provincial chief Professor Muhammad Ibrahim and Maulana Tayyab also spoke at the occasion.
Hundreds of seminary students and JI activists participated in the three-day convention which started on Friday at Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Tahiri’s seminary.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2013.
COMMENTS (6)
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For JI..a fair election is when they win, else they cry. For JI..Karachi is just a recruiting ground for jihad and Thunder squad practice ground.
JI is the first in Karachi to bring AK47 culture, and JI is the first to USE AK47 in Karachi university.
JI should be banned, because they exploit religious sentiments to create hate among people. They must be banned- we need to get rid if them, they are the ones who were against the formation of Pakistan in the first place.
JI always involved in rigging in election...or elected by invisible hands..1990 election is a prove..
Rigging or not, JI seats in NA will be the same in coming election. A big ZERO.
Free and fair election is right of every Pakistani. However, any party who uses militancy to sabotage elections is no friend to country. Many groups may use violence, money and militant groups to win elections, such are poisonous tactics for the future of nation. Such groups must be closely monitored and stopped as soon as possible. Karachi should not bleed again in the hands of terrorists.