JI presents four-point formula to end crisis

JI presents four-point formula to end crisis

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq on Friday presented a four-point formula to defuse tension between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, calling upon the government to hold direct negotiations with agitating parties instead of waiting for them to stage sit-ins.

Addressing at a press conference at Mansoora Friday afternoon, Sirajul Haq impressed upon the government to immediately announce its negotiation team and stressed that the two sides should begin talks without delay. Giving his suggestions to resolve the persisting political crisis in the country, the JI chief said that a committee comprising the leader of the opposition, representatives of the parliamentary parties should oversee the negotiations and also facilitate these. Lastly, he said, if the differences between the parties were not resolved, the issue should be put before the masses. 

He further said that protecting the constitution and democracy was the most important thing. He asked the politicians to chalk out an effective strategy instead of becoming silent spectators. He expressed his hope that the political leadership of the country and the rulers of the state will not provide a chance for the country to be disgraced. He stressed on the supremacy of the constitution, saying that if it is abolished then it will be extremely difficult to keep a country with various ethnicities and sects together.

He urged the government to ensure that a Gujranwala-like incident did not occur again. He said that long march and sit-in were accepted methods for resolving political issues, and the present long march would give a new strength to the country’s political system and dissipate the clouds of despair and uncertainty He also urged the Supreme Court to play its role in ending the political deadlock in state.

Earlier, while addressing the general council of the Shabab-e-Milli, the youth wing of the JI, Sirajul Haq said that the youth comprised the highest portion of the country’s population but it was being wasted because of the incompetence and wrong priorities of the rulers. While addressing the Friday congregation at Mansoora mosque, the JI chief said that the Islamic system was the destiny of the country. He pointed out that Quaid-i- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his many addresses, had stated that the holy Quran would be the constitution of Pakistan.

“However, the slaves of the British had been ruling the country for the last 68 years and they did not want the Islamic system to govern the corridors of power, the police stations, courts and he markets. They liked an Islamic system that was confined to the monasteries,” Siraj said. He said the ruling junta was not ready to “shed selfish outlook”.