LAHORE (Dunya News) – Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq has stated that the establishment should remain impartial on Feb 8, learning from the past experience of 2018 when it installed a government.
In an interview with a foreign media outlet, Siraj accentuated that political understanding and cooperation between political parties and the establishment are essential for the progress of the country.
He mentioned that after the 2024 elections, efforts should be made to reach a consensus on a common action plan to address shared issues, as political instability has caused immense harm to society.
The JI chief highlighted that transparent elections would allow for the inclusion of participants, and it is through transparent elections that a consensus on a common action plan becomes possible.
Siraj stated that if elections are not transparent, the country will face corruption and chaos, adding that all political parties should be provided with an equal environment in the elections.
The JI chief remarked that the establishment had faced criticism for interference in the previous elections. He added that whoever forms the government after Feb 8 will move forward with the military.
The Jamaat leader mentioned that decisions regarding sitting in the government or opposition will be made after the elections. Many small and large political parties will enter parliament through elections, he said.
According to Siraj, the Jamaat-e-Islami has fielded over 700 candidates for the Feb 8 elections.
He also noted that his party has provided a revolutionary manifesto crucial for the welfare state.
Siraj stated that his party's governance is based on the rule of law, and people are considering the Jamaat-e-Islami as an alternative in the elections.
The experience of unity among religious parties has not been fruitful, and Jamaat-e-Islami has presented itself as an alternative without relying on unity, he added.
Siraj asserted that ministries are obtained through alliances, but reforms are not implemented. The country's problems are due to ruling political parties, and in this election, the votes for religious parties have increased in the vote bank.
The Jamaat leader emphasised that individuals adopting the path of violence should be dealt with according to the law.