For the record: JI shoots down claims of IS presence in Pakistan

SHABQADAR:

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) chief Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan has brushed aside claims of Islamic State’s (IS) presence in Pakistan.

While addressing a press conference in Shabqadar on Friday, Khan accused the United States of nurturing the notorious organisation. He said, “Foreign interference has worsened matters in both the Gulf and our region.”

The JI leader, who was a key member of the Taliban negotiation committee, said his party will work in close liaison with all warring factions in Afghanistan in order to help them reach a peaceful solution and JI ameer Sirajul Haq’s proposed visit is a part of the efforts. Khan urged China and Turkey to facilitate the process and deemed it vital for regional stability.

The professor was of the view that military courts are selective in providing justice. “While those involved in attacks on a former dictator are being hanged, Hakeem Saeed’s murderers roam free,” he said.

Khan said all the Senate seats in K-P and the tribal belt are up for grabs and mainstream political parties are buying and selling candidates.

While talking about the Army Public School attack, Khan said it was strange how militants entered the Cantonment unharmed. He demanded an investigation and action against those found guilty of the security lapse.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2015.