Fear and uncertainty: Sweeping powers for armed forces risky, says JI
Taliban should free the people in their custody, the JI shura demands.
Taliban should free the people in their custody, the JI shura demands.PHOTO: INP
LAHORE:
Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan central shura has appealed to the Taliban, on humanitarian grounds, to extend the ceasefire and to make a categorical announcement that they will not take any unlawful steps till the peace dialogue concludes.
The JI’s central consultative body met with Ameer Sirajul Haq in the chair at Mansoora on Thursday. The participants of the meeting urged the government and law enforcement agencies to release non-combatants in their custody and to take necessary measures to make the talks result-oriented. They said the government should avoid any steps that could hinder the peace process. The participants also expressed hope that the Taliban would free the people in their custody.
The shura passed a resolution stating that the prevailing tension in the region, especially in Pakistan and among various institutions in the backdrop of the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, was a deep international conspiracy.
The shura expressed grave concern over the political situation in the country and the threats to national solidarity and integrity.
The participants said it was tragic that there was talk of extra-constitutional measures within a year of the government coming to power.
Uncertainty looms over the country amid the clash of institutions, the participants said.
The country is faced with an alarming law and order situation and there is deep anxiety and concern due to the killing of innocent citizens in terrorist attacks, the participants said. The present situation is a result of the flawed policies of government leaders over the last 12 years, they said. Their blind obeisance to foreign powers had created the spectre of fear that looms over the country while hopes of law and order remain unattainable.
The shura appreciated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s strategy of continuing dialogue with the Taliban despite heavy pressure from within the country and from abroad, in line with the mandate given by the APC.
The shura also criticised the Protection of Pakistan Bill and said that it violated fundamental human rights guaranteed by Islam and the Constitution. The participants said controlling terrorism was an important national duty and a common aspiration, however, according sweeping powers to law enforcement institutions and agencies was highly dangerous and tantamount to legalising terrorism.
The shura was of the view that the PPO had been adopted in violation of parliamentary norms and rules simply on the basis of the numerical strength of the ruling party.
The shura requested the government to abandon anti-people policies and to refrain from legislation that could create anarchy and dissension in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2014.
Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan central shura has appealed to the Taliban, on humanitarian grounds, to extend the ceasefire and to make a categorical announcement that they will not take any unlawful steps till the peace dialogue concludes.
The JI’s central consultative body met with Ameer Sirajul Haq in the chair at Mansoora on Thursday. The participants of the meeting urged the government and law enforcement agencies to release non-combatants in their custody and to take necessary measures to make the talks result-oriented. They said the government should avoid any steps that could hinder the peace process. The participants also expressed hope that the Taliban would free the people in their custody.
The shura passed a resolution stating that the prevailing tension in the region, especially in Pakistan and among various institutions in the backdrop of the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, was a deep international conspiracy.
The shura expressed grave concern over the political situation in the country and the threats to national solidarity and integrity.
The participants said it was tragic that there was talk of extra-constitutional measures within a year of the government coming to power.
Uncertainty looms over the country amid the clash of institutions, the participants said.
The country is faced with an alarming law and order situation and there is deep anxiety and concern due to the killing of innocent citizens in terrorist attacks, the participants said. The present situation is a result of the flawed policies of government leaders over the last 12 years, they said. Their blind obeisance to foreign powers had created the spectre of fear that looms over the country while hopes of law and order remain unattainable.
The shura appreciated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s strategy of continuing dialogue with the Taliban despite heavy pressure from within the country and from abroad, in line with the mandate given by the APC.
The shura also criticised the Protection of Pakistan Bill and said that it violated fundamental human rights guaranteed by Islam and the Constitution. The participants said controlling terrorism was an important national duty and a common aspiration, however, according sweeping powers to law enforcement institutions and agencies was highly dangerous and tantamount to legalising terrorism.
The shura was of the view that the PPO had been adopted in violation of parliamentary norms and rules simply on the basis of the numerical strength of the ruling party.
The shura requested the government to abandon anti-people policies and to refrain from legislation that could create anarchy and dissension in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2014.