New government should be given a chance: Sirajul Haq

E-Paper | July 30, 2026

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq on Monday said that the new government, likely of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), should be given a chance to play their due role.

The JI emir, while addressing a press conference in Lahore, struck a contrasting tone to that of his fellow Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) leader Fazalur Rehman, who has rejected the result of the July 25 elections, floated the idea of not taking oath and may even push for fresh polls.

Haq today said that the party wants continuation of democracy and supremacy of the parliament. He termed the holding of the elections a welcome sign but rued that some measures (or their lack thereof) dented the entire polling process.

As a result, he said, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker setup find themselves in a defensive position.

Showing his support for the next government, Haq said, "We want to give a chance to the newly elected government for the sake of the continuation of democracy."

Presuming that the PTI is going to form the next government, Haq reminded Imran Khan of his promises that he would create 10 million jobs, five million houses and help Pakistan break free from the International Monitory Fund (IMF) and the World Bank's (WB) loans.

"We are waiting [for Khan] to take practical measures against vulgarity, indecency and all types of corruption," he added.

Haq also claimed that the MMA garnered 2.5m votes in polls, although those transpired into just 12 NA seats — much lower than the expectations of what is a multi-party religiopolitical party alliance.

ELECTIONS 2018

Pakistan

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Hassan Sindhi

Jul 30, 2018 02:23pm

Sensible move

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flying star

Jul 30, 2018 02:25pm

Mr. Sirajul Haq,you are intelligent persons need persons like you in siyasat

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WARRIs

Jul 30, 2018 02:26pm

Jazakallah Siraj Saheb, you are indeed a gentleman. I hope other politicians put their personal differences aside and form alliance for Pakistan and not against one political party who has won people’s mandate.

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Jul 30, 2018 02:30pm

Sensible suggestion, acknowledging defeat gracefully!

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SMI

Jul 30, 2018 02:34pm

JI is a good party my first support is for PTI alternate only is JI. I was upsets when I found Siraj Ul Haq lost his election

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Hasnain Haque

Jul 30, 2018 02:35pm

Finally common sense prevails, slowly all sensible politicians will realise the truth and only the corrupt will cry foul.

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Inam Suri

Jul 30, 2018 02:36pm

Better sense has started to prevail. Innocent Sirajul Haq could have done much better if gone alone.

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Saad Khan

Jul 30, 2018 02:38pm

Now you got the result of your deceives with PTI.

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Saleem

Jul 30, 2018 02:40pm

Its a good sign that Haq wants to give chance to PTI Govt to fulfill his promises with the people of Pakistan....

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Pakistani

Jul 30, 2018 02:40pm

Siraj sahib. You are a great person. Please stay away from opportunist Fazlur Rehman. It's damaging your reputation.

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Rana Fakhar Hayat

Jul 30, 2018 02:42pm

The statement is very positive and appreciable.

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Soothsayer

Jul 30, 2018 02:46pm

Wise choice. In any case you have no option.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jul 30, 2018 02:48pm

Unlike his counterparts especially those stemming from MMA, this is indeed a mature, educated, welcoming, accommodating and generous statement by the Jamaat-i-Islami Chief based on true sportsman spirit and ground realities. Well done and keep it up.

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Jul 30, 2018 02:53pm

Very nice views. others specially N League should follow him too.

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Rubina

Jul 30, 2018 02:56pm

Good and sensible decision.

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Shadow

Jul 30, 2018 02:58pm

Muliv Sab clearing road for fazal Rehman etc to join national govt

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Bablu

Jul 30, 2018 02:58pm

We should also commend Mr. Bilour of ANP. He was the first to accept defeat.

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Asif

Jul 30, 2018 03:03pm

A sane message from a modest, simple and honest man.

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Gul

Jul 30, 2018 03:04pm

An honest person.Please stay away from MMM. You could have done better at your own.

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iffi

Jul 30, 2018 03:05pm

Good decision & please get rid from molana otherwise your party will not survive

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aisha

Jul 30, 2018 03:09pm

Parliament is not supreme, it is the constitution that is supreme. In the UK parliament is supreme because they do not have a written constitution.

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Hamza

Jul 30, 2018 03:09pm

Good Move!

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Jadun

Jul 30, 2018 03:17pm

JI is trying to redeem itself after playing into the hands of master manipulator Mr. Fazlur Rehman.

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Syed Z

Jul 30, 2018 03:21pm

Finally !

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Fairplay

Jul 30, 2018 03:23pm

The new Government needs support to move Pakistan forward.

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haris

Jul 30, 2018 03:27pm

@flying star : Yeah! very intelligent. Was in coalition with PTI for almost 4 years then suddenly switched the bandwagon of Fazlur Rehman and eventually finding themselves on the loosing side. The worst election performance by JI in their history. Intelligent mind huh!

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Baloch

Jul 30, 2018 03:31pm

yes a very sensible statement, this shows statesmanship. And for the mismanagement and rigging charges, a committee should be formed to investigate which may include the aggrieved parties and the higher courts. this country cannot afford agitation and martial law again

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Jul 30, 2018 03:32pm

@Gul Siraj Sb, please stay away from opportunist Fazal ur Rehman.

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Pro Bono Publico

Jul 30, 2018 03:33pm

Bottom-line: The new government should be working to fulfill the promises it made to the people for seeking their votes. All political parties should show a same spirit of cooperation. If there are lapses and lacking voters will have a choice to vote PTI out in the next elections.Keep calm and keep working for the good of Pakistan.

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optimist

Jul 30, 2018 03:37pm

Make lots of sense. Good decision by JI in the greater national interest. Please detach yourself from Fazal ur Rehman and you can do much better service to Islam and Pakistan.

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Art KP

Jul 30, 2018 03:39pm

He poured water over his good reputation when he joined MMA.!

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tajamal

Jul 30, 2018 03:44pm

very mature statement - start preparation for the next election, try to contribute positively to country.

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Hasan

Jul 30, 2018 03:45pm

How many seats did JI candidates win in the 12 that belong to MMA? Just thinking if a break away can transpire, and will it help PTI given the stalemate in the numbers game

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Choudhry

Jul 30, 2018 03:52pm

Well said Seraj sb. give them one chance to deliver and remind them the promise which they have made with innocent pakistani peoples..

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Ahmed

Jul 30, 2018 03:54pm

The only opposition leader talking sense.

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Socrates

Jul 30, 2018 03:56pm

"Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq on Monday said that the new government, likely of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), should be given a chance to play their due role." Sensible approach by Sirajul Haq Sahib. The nation also wants the same.

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whoisthis

Jul 30, 2018 04:11pm

@Pakistani ur rep was damaged a long time ago.

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Umair

Jul 30, 2018 04:14pm

Nobody would call it a U turn now because It is by So-called Islamic ideologist!

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Abbasshah

Jul 30, 2018 04:16pm

At last on the right path.

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Asim

Jul 30, 2018 04:17pm

Finally......

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PakistaniZindabad

Jul 30, 2018 04:18pm

Great and honest leader with only intention to make better Pakistan

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NACParis

Jul 30, 2018 04:21pm

Siral ul Haq has realized that his biggest mistake was joining the already tinted Fazal to form a united front during the election. He would have done better had he fought alone.

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Asaad Fakharuddin

Jul 30, 2018 04:22pm

JI is only pure democratic party in Pakistan.Very good decision. Appriciated

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Ahmed Abdullah

Jul 30, 2018 04:26pm

Siraj ul Haq would not have lost if he had not merged with Fazl ur Rahman.

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Ahmed

Jul 30, 2018 04:34pm

At last a sensible and wise person putting interests of the nation above personal ambitions.

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Madmax

Jul 30, 2018 04:39pm

Siraj sold

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jul 30, 2018 04:49pm

A great, sensible, mature and right statement. Had JI refrained from joining the power-hungry bunch of the so-called MMA, they could have performed pretty good in the recent elections. Nevertheless, as said by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., " the time is always right to do what is right."

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Changez Khan

Jul 30, 2018 04:49pm

Finally these guys coming out of the election shocks and start talking senses.

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Asif Shafique

Jul 30, 2018 04:50pm

Thanks Siraj Ul Haq you are A Real Leader

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Iftikhar Husain

Jul 30, 2018 04:52pm

Very sensible statement that shows maturity.

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Jalbani Baloch

Jul 30, 2018 04:59pm

As per its size and weight in the parliament, JI has no option but to accept the reality and sit in the parliament with its fewer votes.

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xyz

Jul 30, 2018 05:19pm

Great decision.

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Pak_UK

Jul 30, 2018 05:32pm

Very wise man.

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Wajih Qidwai

Jul 30, 2018 05:37pm

Is this the indication that JI is leaving MMA and joining the hands of IK?

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Sane

Jul 30, 2018 05:39pm

You helped him get out of dharna, provided IK a safe exit. You and your party indeed are above politics. Just need to select your partners wisely.

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Farrukh

Jul 30, 2018 05:39pm

If you can't beat them join them ....

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IK Waseer

Jul 30, 2018 05:41pm

JI is at its best. Respecting the mandate and Commission should be made to find irregularities in General Election 2018. The maturity by Siraj ul Haq is need of the hour. Pakistan need it

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Azhar Khan

Jul 30, 2018 05:46pm

People of Pakistan has lost confidence in religious parties because the history of their history. In future, if somehow they gain the confidence of the people who seems to be politically savvy now will help them. Try to play positive role in politics.

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Suhail

Jul 30, 2018 05:51pm

Very disappointed in Sirajul Haq, knowing how corrupt Fazlur-rehman and his gang is, he decided to joint hands with them. He should have supported Imran Khan and joint hands with him.

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Irfan Ullah Kudakhel

Jul 30, 2018 06:19pm

Siraj ul Haq must have realized that merging JI in MMA was his biggest mistake, not only he lost his credibility but public support too. there were millions across Pakistan who wanted to vote for JI but not for MMA.

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Siraj

Jul 30, 2018 06:22pm

Greater cause than winning few more seats, you are a champion. Don’t stop here, play your role whether in government or not to make it possible for the new government to fulfill the impossiblle promises they made.

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Foozi

Jul 30, 2018 06:23pm

Now that's a gentlemanly behaviour only people as humble as siraj sahib can afford

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Asif Khan

Jul 30, 2018 06:24pm

Lock these mullahs up in Adiala, vulgarity and indecency are not 'problems' the government needs to fix. These are personal issues.

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Suhaib Jamal

Jul 30, 2018 06:44pm

Best Decision by Shora of Jamat Islami , wait and see new govt performance and give them your shoulder to helpout in all era for betterment of Pakistan.

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M1 Jamal

Jul 30, 2018 06:58pm

A true political leader, otherwise known as an opportunist.Well played SirajulHaq.

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SkyHawk

Jul 30, 2018 07:01pm

Good move by Mr. Siraj. Pakistan first.

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Owais Mangal

Jul 30, 2018 07:04pm

Thank you.

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flying star

Jul 30, 2018 07:07pm

@Pakistani yes excellent request

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Magnanimous approach

Jul 30, 2018 07:07pm

@flying star .Absolutely but please don’t say ‘chance’ PTI is the winning party, it has right to form government and rule.

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flying star

Jul 30, 2018 07:14pm

I wish next time J I (Sirajul Haq)to come in opposition to remplace PMLN and PPP.

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A+Hira

Jul 30, 2018 07:15pm

Good on him. Thank you for helping Pakistan move forward!

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HonorBright

Jul 30, 2018 07:22pm

Such largehearted concession shouldn't go unrewarded in this world.. Or maybe the in the other world?

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MSA

Jul 30, 2018 07:24pm

@Ahmed Abdullah It is true. Siraj would do better, if he stays away from Fazle. There is nothing common between Siraj and Fazle.

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Hafeez

Jul 30, 2018 07:25pm

Very wise of JI . He should be given chance to be reelected as Mp in byelections.

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Zak

Jul 30, 2018 07:28pm

'the next government, Haq reminded Imran Khan of his promises that he would create 10 million jobs, five million houses and help Pakistan break free from the International Monitory Fund (IMF) and the World Bank's (WB) loans.' You will get all that and more.

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SHAHID SATTAR

Jul 30, 2018 07:31pm

Don't you worry. The party has just started for the new comers. They will be given their share in due course of time. After all they must have invested heavily to win the elections. It is only the losers who have to pay the price which creates problems for some.

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Zeeshan Ahmed

Jul 30, 2018 07:42pm

Well done, and a relief given the contracting stance JI took after the polls, against their historic support for Imran's legacy.

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Nawaz

Jul 30, 2018 07:47pm

Most level headed politician. Pakistan can progress with great people like you. Shame on Moulana diesel Fazlul Rahman and other crooks of MMA.

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F Khan

Jul 30, 2018 08:08pm

U Turn

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Arshad patel

Jul 30, 2018 08:13pm

A sensible statement!

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Arshad patel

Jul 30, 2018 08:19pm

His statement of sense comes from his honesty; he is a clean guy!

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Asim

Jul 30, 2018 08:30pm

Siraj shb you have the only democratic party in pakistan ,no other party can claim the organised structure which JI has, ultimately you will win on the basis of your organisation and bring the durable positive change in society, don't lose hope

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Alam..

Jul 30, 2018 08:35pm

A very good move from JI

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Ali Kazmi

Jul 30, 2018 08:43pm

@flying star; 'you are intelligent persons need persons like you in siyasat' There is no dearth of intelligent people in Siyasat, just honesty is in short supply.

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Ali Kazmi

Jul 30, 2018 09:14pm

As they say, some people make history, some follow history and some are dragged by it. I am glad JI has decided to follow history.

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shahid

Jul 30, 2018 09:17pm

He also gave support to PTI in 2013 election.

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Aman

Jul 30, 2018 11:04pm

Good decision Sir Sirajul Haq. You are very responsible and pragmatic leader. People of Pakistan really welcome your statement for the greeter interest of Pakistan.

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Jul 31, 2018 03:54am

@ flying star - yeah a sensible politically move. have a look at the history of JI and how it regularly shifts in the corner that is heavy !! just have a look at last 5 years and you'll know what i mean ;)

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