Consequences of actions taken by the govts of PDM, PPP & PTI would continue to impact the country: Sirajul Haq

LAHORE, August 11 (SABAH): Declaring the last five years as the most challenging period in the nation’s history, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Sirajul Haq asserted that the consequences of actions taken by the governments of PDM, PPP, and PTI would continue to impact the country.

Speaking at a press conference at Mansoorah on Friday, Sirajul Haq emphasized that the dissolution of assemblies had alleviated the burden on the citizens. He expressed optimism in the establishment of a neutral caretaker government that would ensure transparent and fair elections within the constitutional timeframe. He warned that if the people’s right to choose their representatives was denied, Jamaat-e-Islami would resist.

Sirajul Haq stressed that the judiciary, establishment, and Election Commission of Pakistan should adhere to the constitution and remain politically neutral. The JI, he said while answering a question, would not form alliances with other parties in the upcoming elections.

The JI leader extended his greetings to the non-Muslim community in Pakistan on National Minorities Day, assuring them of their rights’ protection when the party comes into power.

Sirajul Haq highlighted that economic devastation, inflation, unemployment, corruption, terrorism, and lawlessness had escalated during the tenures of the two Prime Ministers from 2018 to 2023. He criticized the passage of laws by assemblies that protected the elite, neglecting the public’s welfare. Sirajul Haq had hoped that the farewell assembly session would address security concerns and the Bajaur incident, but instead, members congratulated each other for the successes achieved in the past five years. He pointed out that their successes primarily revolved around evading corruption charges while in power.

Regarding economic concerns, Sirajul Haq noted that petrol prices had surged from 95 to 272 rupees per liter since 2018, while a bag of flour had risen from 770 to 2600 rupees. He mentioned that the past 16 months under the PDM government had witnessed a 72-fold increase in electricity rates, a 200% rise in water and gas bills, and significant hikes in fuel and essential commodity prices, rendering them unaffordable for the common man. He criticized the government for failing to fulfill its commitments regarding merged FATA, Balochistan, and Karachi.