SARGODHA: Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq says it is the responsibility of the government and national leaders, particularly Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri, to manage an honourable exit from the deadlock, otherwise, nobody will be able to stop intervention of the third force and people will not forgive the politicians.

He was addressing a gathering of JI workers held to express solidarity with the Palestinian Muslims on Saturday.

Mr Haq said his talks with Asif Zardari were productive. He pledged to protect assemblies at all costs and that he would not support dissolution of assemblies.

Says talks with Zardari productive

Both the government and the PTI must focus on interest of people and not their personal ones, he said, adding there was no second opinion on holding an inquiry into alleged polls rigging through a judicial commission which should submit its report within a month or so.

If the report confirmed rigging, then the prime minister could be forced to step down, he said.

The JI chief lauded leaders of political parties for showing unity for the sake of democracy, however its positive results were possible if Imran Khan agreed on the formation of a judicial commission.

To resolve the issue and avoid bloodshed, an early solution to the crisis should be found through a dialogue, giving an honourable exit to the PTI and PAT.

Sirajul Haq said the government should refrain from using force or creating hurdles for participants of the sit-ins and the army should avoid getting involved in the matter.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2014