JI backs Qadri, PTI on poll reforms

Published August 17, 2014
Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq.— INP file photo
Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq.— INP file photo

LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq has termed the 10-point agenda of Dr Tahirul Qadri ‘constitutional’ and declared his party’s support for it.

“Dr Qadri’s 10 points are positive. None of them is unconstitutional. We fully support them. Everyone wants an election commission that ensures transparent elections in future so that nobody can raise the issue of rigging.

“We also support the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf on the issue of rigging. All democrats are against rigging,” he told reporters after meeting Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, who visited Mansoora on Saturday.

The governor called on Mr Haq as part of the government’s effort to find a way to defuse the crisis that has arisen in the wake of Mr Khan’s and Dr Qadri’s marches on Islamabad.

Know more: JI chief terms PTI long march 'justified'

The JI chief wondered why a biometric system could not be installed in the country, citing India as an example.

He said both the PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek were democratic forces, calling upon political parties and the government to hold dialogue with them.

“The government, its ministers and politicians should review their attitude in order to avoid tension and confrontation. The two sides should begin dialogue for resolving differences and should be wary of elements trying to add fuel to fire,” he added.

Punjab Governor Chaud­h­ry Sarwar praised the Jamaat for its efforts to resolve the crisis.

He said political forces did not want any unconstitutional change. “I also want to praise the armed forces for successfully conducting the Zarb-i-Azb operation. The armed forces are also not in favour of any unconstitutional change.”

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

IMF’s unease
Updated 24 May, 2024

IMF’s unease

It is clear that the next phase of economic stabilisation will be very tough for most of the population.
Belated recognition
24 May, 2024

Belated recognition

WITH Wednesday’s announcement by three European states that they intend to recognise Palestine as a state later...
App for GBV survivors
24 May, 2024

App for GBV survivors

GENDER-based violence is caught between two worlds: one sees it as a crime, the other as ‘convention’. The ...
Energy inflation
Updated 23 May, 2024

Energy inflation

The widening gap between the haves and have-nots is already tearing apart Pakistan’s social fabric.
Culture of violence
23 May, 2024

Culture of violence

WHILE political differences are part of the democratic process, there can be no justification for such disagreements...
Flooding threats
23 May, 2024

Flooding threats

WITH temperatures in GB and KP forecasted to be four to six degrees higher than normal this week, the threat of...