Sirajul Haq suggests all parties to develop consensus only on polls date sans any conditions
ISLAMABAD, May 1 (SABAH): Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Sirajul Haq has suggested all the parties to develop consensus only on the date of holding elections without presenting any conditions.
Sirajul Haq expressed these views during an interview with a private TV channel. He further said that it was the ground reality that the parties have not still developed a consensus on holding elections on the same date wherein “we also include as a stakeholder.”
“What attitude the political parties were showing it will ultimately push the country to the Martial Law where mostly local bodies polls are held but not the general elections,” he warned.
He remarked, “Politics is the name of forbearance. It is name of listening as well as giving space to one another. It is name of going to an election which is free, fair and transparent as well as free of rigging. I have told Chief Justice of Pakistan that elections could be held in a smooth manner after performing the forthcoming pilgrimage. I wish establishment, judiciary and Election Commission of Pakistan to play their neutral role at all costs.”
He said, “When Supreme Court announced a verdict pertaining to holding elections in a single province but with due respect, we were not in favour of holding elections in a single province terming it not better for the interests of the country. It was not even beneficial in two provinces.” He furthered, “We were in favour of holding one elections at Centre as well as in four provinces. We wanted interim governments at Centre as well as in four provinces. When we started our efforts in this regard, proceedings forwarded rapidly. The Supreme Court endorsed our suggestion on the matter of initiating political dialogue process among the political parties. PPP, PDM and PTI also endorsed this view. Now issue of holding elections was being discussed. Ahead of discussions, the political parties use delaying tactics but they have no choice other than holding elections.”
Sirajul Haq was of the view that all stakeholders including the Supreme Court have trapped in a closed alley and added they talked about the issue with PM Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif that democracy must not be derailed. He added they conveyed this to the PM, “if the democracy was derailed, you would be held responsible. We have conveyed the same to the former prime minister and Chairman PTI Imran Khan that if any dictator comes he rulers not less then 10 years and if your age is 72 currently then you will see next general elections after 10 years in the age of 82 years.”