LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Sirajul Haq has launched election campaign in NA-126 (Lahore) by addressing a large gathering in Ittefaq Town on Wednesday.

He appealed to the people to cast their votes in favour of the JI, with the promise of transforming the country into an Islamic welfare state.

Sirajul Haq highlighted the numerous challenges faced by the nation, including a weak economy, precarious law and order situation, and corruption, attributing these issues to the shared responsibility of the former rulers.

JI Secretary General and candidate for NA-126, Amirul Azim, also spoke on the occasion.

Siraj vows to make Pakistan clean and green if voted to power

The JI emir criticised the former ruling parties as family and relative-centric, prioritising personal interests over the welfare of the public. The actions of these former rulers have damaged the economy and weakened institutions, resulting in the deterioration of the rule of law and accountability in the country, he said.

Expressing scepticism about those who have frequently formed governments in the past and are now claiming to resolve the issues, Haq asserted that they have been exposed and are incapable of addressing the prevailing crises. Consequently, he positioned the JI as the sole hope for the people.

He envisioned a Pakistan that could effectively advocate for the rights of Palestinians, Kashmiris, and the entire Ummah.

The JI leader said a single family has been governing Lahore since decades, adversely impacted its historic and cultural standing, turning the provincial city into a centre of numerous issues.

Describing the streets of Lahore as littered with heaps of garbage, he expressed concern that the city is now considered one of the most polluted in the world.

He called upon the residents of Lahore to wake up and select capable leadership that can usher in prosperity for the city.

He pledged if the JI is granted the mandate, the party will undertake initiatives to make Pakistan clean and green.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2024