LAHORE: A resolution adopted by the Jamaat-i-Islami executive council states that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be held responsible if democratic system collapses due to the policies of his government.

The JI council, which met for two days at its party headquarters, said that it was a matter of concern that national institutions were collapsing due to bad planning of the PTI government whose policies also led to the destruction of the economy.

The council demanded the government announce opening of madaris (seminaries) and educational institutions as their closure for an indefinite period had brought irreparable loss to the education of millions of students.

Meanwhile, JI chief Senator Sirajul Haq said the accountability process had become a tool of political victimisation, exposing all claims of the PTI to strengthen the anti-corruption regime after earning power.

Talking to different delegations at Mansoora, he said the government left no stone unturned to make the life of the people miserable.

On the other hand, JI Deputy Emir Liaqat Baloch condemned the closure of Channel 24 by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) at the behest of the government, saying the rulers were making constant attempts to control the media through different tactics.

In a statement, he said the curb on Channel 24 following actions against Geo TV was a matter of great concern and regret. He said the JI was standing by the journalist community in their fight for media freedom.

Mr Baloch advised the government to focus on the solution of the common man’s problem and fixation of the fragile economy instead of making attempts to control the media.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2020