Democracy could not strengthen in the country due to establishment’s direct or indirect interference: Sirajul Haq

LOWER DIR, Sep 16 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Sirajul Haq has said that democracy could not strengthen in the country due to establishment’s direct or indirect interference.
 Talking to media at Timergara area of Lower Dir district of Khyber Pakthtunkhwa on Friday, Sirajul Haq said the ruling political parties had also sought support of the establishment for their survival. The PDM and the PTI could not survive without the backing of establishment, he said, suggesting the political leadership not to be dependent on the latter. He said every institution including the judiciary, election commission and defence forces should stay away from politics and work within the limits defined under the constitution. Similarly, he added, the politicians should avoid dragging the institutions into politics.

The JI chief called for devising fresh criteria for the army chief appointment similar to the appointment of chief justice of Pakistan, ending the prime minister prerogative. He said liking disliking was a natural fact when a person appointed another. Being a politician, he said, a prime minister would ultimately look into his/her interests at the time of appointment of the head of armed forces. Therefore, he added, the parliament should devise fresh mechanism for it.

Sirajul Haq said the law-and-order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and particularly in Malakand division was worsened. He said thousands had left their homes alone in Khyber area due to security issue. He said the KP government had so far failed to establish it writ, reminding the federal and provincial governments their basic responsibility to provide protection to the masses. He said if the people had to form laskhar by their own for protection then what was the use of police and other security forces.

He said the thousands of workers of the JI and its charity Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan were actively engaged in relief activities in flood-hit areas and the work would continue till the completion of the rehabilitation process. He thanked the nation for extending millions of rupees donation for the people in need. Former member national assembly Sahibzada Yaqoob and JI District Emir Aizazul Mulk Afkari were also present on the occasion.