LAHORE: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) central consultative body on Thursday reiterated that any extraconstitutional dispensation would be a serious threat to the country’s existence and called for holding elections on schedule in a free, fair and impartial atmosphere.

Presided over by Emir Sirajul Haq, the body through a resolution noted with concern that the aggrieved parties were looking towards the armed forces and the judiciary for justice and rumours of some extraconstitutional measures were rife in the country.

Through another resolution, it made it clear to the US and India that in spite of internal differences, the Pakistani nation stood united against a foreign aggression and any Indian adventure would be effectively countered.

The JI central body said the attitude of the ruling junta practically not accepting the decisions of the Supreme Court, ridiculing courts and stoking confrontation with the state institutions was highly detrimental to the vital national interests.

It noted that despite the completion of the constitutional requirements for fresh delimitation of constituencies, the Election Commission was not giving due attention to the holding of elections on schedule and in a fair and transparent manner.

It slated the government’s stubbornness in delaying the publication of Raja Zafarul Haq Committee report on the Khatm-i-Nabuwwat issue and punishing those hatching a conspiracy against the nation. It deplored that the culprits involved in the Model Town killings were still at large even after the publication of the judicial inquiry report.

The JI shoora noted that the elements involved in the Kasur children video scandal about two years ago had not been brought to justice due to political pressure and those involved in the rape and murder of Zainab remained at large.

It also hit out at the government for exploitation of the sugar cane growers by the mills. It resolved to continue its drive for a corruption-free Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2018