Lahore, Naib Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Liaquat Baloch, has applauded the government’s decision to reinstate the public holiday on Iqbal Day, November 9, characterizing it as a restoration of not only the holiday but also the contemplation of Iqbal’s philosophy. He urged the nation’s leaders to adopt the enduring principles of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam for national unity and progress.

According to Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Baloch highlighted the surge of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, mourning the loss of security forces and condemning each incident as a national tragedy. He criticized the poor execution of the National Action Plan, arguing that misapplications against religious institutions have inadvertently aided terrorist networks. He called for a united front of government, state institutions, and national leadership to protect citizens and to rectify lapses in counter-terrorism efforts.

Speaking at a political and election advisory meeting in Mansoora, Baloch commented on the election schedule set for February 8, 2024, expressing optimism that it would dispel prevailing uncertainties. He lauded the role of Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa and other justices in upholding the constitutional framework and guiding the Caretaker Government and Election Commission. However, he noted a missed opportunity for a full-court hearing led by former Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandyal that could have prevented a constitutional crisis.

Baloch underscored the imperative for the Election Commission and state institutions to conduct fair, transparent elections and to strictly enforce the electoral code of conduct, presenting these as critical tests for the integrity of the nation’s democratic processes.