Govt should not create obstacles for PTI jalsa: JI

In the backdrop of the ongoing political turmoil in Punjab, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Sirajul Haq Saturday urged the provincial caretaker government not to create hurdles in the way of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) jalsa scheduled to be held at the Minar-e-Pakistan tonight.

Despite receiving permission from the district administration to hold a gathering at the ground of the historic monument by the party, several roads leading to the venue have been closed using containers on the streets.

Addressing a press conference in JI’s headquarters in Mansoora, Haq said that caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi-led Punjab government has become part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — the 13-party ruling alliance.

The JI emir invited PTI Chairman Imran Khan to visit Mansoora, saying that the recent announcements made by the caretaker government suggest that it has a long-term plan.

'Act sensibly'

Stressing the need for dialogue between all political parties in connection with the upcoming elections in the country, Haq advised the incumbent government and the leadership of PTI to act sensibly.

He maintained that both the PDM and PTI were running on the narrative of lies. The JI chief was of the view that elections should be held across the country on the same day.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s verdict on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he maintained that it would be sedition if the order of the top court is not complied with by the government.

The apex court on March 1, in a 3-2 verdict, had ordered ECP to hold elections in Punjab and KP within 90 days.

He claimed that the electoral watchdog pushed the country into a "constitutional crisis".

On March 22, the ECP announced the postponement of the upcoming elections in Punjab — initially scheduled to be held on April 30 — citing security reasons as the major cause behind the change of plan.

'Rulers have failed to deliver'

Slamming the incumbent government over rising inflation, worsening economy and lawlessness, the JI leader said that the rulers have failed to deliver.

“Mafia is behind every crisis [faced by the country],” he added.

Haq also slammed the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led government for using delaying tactics in connection with the local government in Karachi. He maintained that the PPP wanted to impose a ‘jiyala’ on Karachi.

It should be noted that the JI local leadership accused the provincial government of rigging and snatching its mandate in the metropolis.