Changing narrative: ‘Take back power from the ruling classes’

New JI chief says India is not the biggest tormentor of Muslims, United States is.


Our Correspondent April 10, 2014
Jamaat-i-Islami’s new chief Sirajul Haq. PHOTO: INP

LAHORE: “A small elite class has been holding the country hostage for over 65 years. I urge people to unite against oppression and take back control of resources being denied to them,” said Jamaat-i-Islami’s new chief Sirajul Haq on Wednesday.

He was addressing an oath-taking ceremony held at Mansoora, the party’s headquarters.

Syed Munawar Hasan, the outgoing chief of the JI, administered oath to Sirajul Haq at the ceremony.

Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly and some provincial ministers from KP were also present.

Haq urged all political and religious parties to unite and sign a charter to run the country in accordance with the constitution.

He said the constitution of Pakistan envisioned an Islamic society. He said efforts must be made to ensure the constitution was never subverted again.

The new JI ameer paid tribute to the armed forces for rendering services for the country’s defence.



He said if oppression and exploitation of its people was stopped, Pakistan could be put on the road to progress and stability.

Haq said members of the JI had entrusted him with a great responsibility by electing him. He said there were many party workers who were more deserving of the role than him.

He sought the help of JI workers in running the party in accordance with the vision of the party’s founder Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maudoodi.

The JI ameer appealed to the king of Saudi Arabia to play his role in uniting the oppressed and disunited Muslims all over the world.

He also sought a review of the Saudi policy on the Muslim Brotherhood and the ouster of Egyptian president Morsi.

He said China had proved to be a great friend and ally to Pakistan and the JI would like to strengthen relations with her.

“The Jamaat-i-Islami is not against India or any other non-Muslim country. However, it opposes the United States which has proved to be the biggest persecutor of Muslims all over the world,” he said.

He also urged world leaders to raise their voice against the tyranny of the Bangladeshi government against JI leaders there.

Earlier, Syed Munawar Hasan, in his address, said the election of Sirajul Haq had brought a breath of fresh air.

He said the JI leadership had passed on a deserving and able person.

He advised JI workers to continue their efforts for establishment of the Islamic system.

He also advised them to pray for the success of the government’s talks with the Taliban. He said regional peace depended on the success of these talks.

He said the JI had been calling for dialogue with the Taliban from the very beginning while many parties had opposed it. He appreciated the government for holding talks with the Taliban in line with the demand of the nation.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2014.

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