LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Sirajul Haq says those, who fear being held accountable by the people, are floating proposals for delay in elections.

Speaking to journalists at Mansoora on Tuesday, he argued that even in democratic countries at war, citizens are not deprived of their voting rights.

Haq dismissed justifications for election delays based on security concerns or adverse weather conditions in less than one per cent of the country’s area, labelling them as mere excuses to deny voters their right to choose leadership.

Haq linked the weak democracy in the country to feudalism, the police and patwar culture, and dynastic politics. He expressed regret that the dream of transforming Pakistan into a model welfare Islamic state, envisioned by the Quaid-i-Azam on independence, remained unrealised even after 76 years.

He attributed the country’s problems to the perpetual governments of dictators and so-called political parties, accusing them of causing inflation, unemployment, weakening institutions, and destroying the economy. He criticised these leaders for prioritising personal interests over public interests.

Highlighting the prolonged rule of parties like PML-N and PPP, and the four-year government of PTI, he pointed out that the problems faced by commoners persist. He cited millions of people lacking basic facilities such as education, health, and clean drinking water, with over 25 million children out of school due to poverty.

Haq held the rulers responsible for the public’s plight and urged the people of Pakistan to seize the opportunity for real change and break the status quo on Feb 8. He positioned Jamaat-i-Islami as the best choice for voters seeking positive transformation.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2023