Mafias minting money by creating artificial shortages of basic food items even when nation is passing through difficult time: Sirajul Haq

LAHORE, Sep 01 (SABAH):Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Sirajul Haq has regretted that mafias are minting money by creating artificial shortages of basic food items even when the nation is passing through difficult time.

On one side, the hoarders were adding to the miseries and on the other side the government once again increased the fuel and electricity prices despite providing relief to the masses, he said in a statement issued from Mansoorah on Thursday.

Criticizing the federal and provincial government for not shunning away petty differences, he said the rulers had left the masses alone as per their old habits. The ruling elite, he said, were indulging in politics at a time when floods were creating devastation in most part of the country. It was not the first time but the rulers had always abandoned the masses during every difficult situation, Sirjaul Haq said.

Appealing to the masses and particularly to overseas Pakistanis to donate generously for the flood victims, he said they were ray of the hope in prevailing circumstances. He also appreciated the so far efforts made by the public to help their brothers and sisters in affected areas.

He said the Pakistani nation had the history of extending their generous support during every calamity. In present circumstances, he said, it also must not leave their fellow Pakistanis on the mercy of international NGOs. Though it was a difficult time, the nation had the capability to cope with the challenge by its own, he added. The governments needed to be active and must ensure the transparent distribution of relief aid among the people, he said.

Sirajul Haq said the al-Khidmat Foundation was making full efforts to ensure quick relief to the victims of floods. He said the JI and al-Khidmat would never leave alone the people in present situation and continue rehabilitation work till the end.

The JI chief meanwhile departed to Malaysia for organizational visit. He will stay there till September 5 and attend conference on unity of Muslim Ummah in Kuala Lumpur. The JI Vice-Emir Liaqat Baloch has taken oath as acting emir of the JI during the absence of Sirajul Haq.