Lahore, Siraj-ul-Haq, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has declared the party’s intention to contest against the traditional political elites in the upcoming elections. In a bold statement, he accused the long-dominating parties of plundering the nation and entrapping the population with the policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, during his address at the party’s main training center in Mansoora, Siraj-ul-Haq outlined the vision of the party to establish an Islamic Welfare State and informed about accelerating the election campaign. He highlighted plans to nominate candidates for seats in both national and provincial assemblies and emphasized giving chances to educated young leaders.
Haq criticized the decades-long political control by two families, drawing a parallel with characters of infamy and claiming they were perpetually restored to power after being symbolically ‘dry-cleaned.’ He stressed the need for a level electoral playing field, insisting on fair chances for all parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, and called upon the Election Commission to enforce the election code of conduct strictly.
The Amir elaborated on the adverse effects of the IMF and the World Bank’s involvement in national affairs as per the strategies set by international establishments post-colonialism. He condemned the current economic burdens, the lack of tax payments from the powerful, and the resulting hardships faced by the poor, including skyrocketing prices and rising unemployment.
Further, he lamented the inaction of Islamic world leaders regarding the bombing of Gaza, announcing a planned demonstration in Lahore to show solidarity with the Palestinians. Haq criticized the current caretaker government for continuing past policies leading to hikes in utility prices and increased salaries and perks for the bureaucracy while common citizens struggle to afford basic necessities.
Siraj-ul-Haq concluded by asserting the nation’s potential to overcome challenges through the establishment of an Islamic system, distancing from oppressive and corrupt governance. He positioned Jamaat-e-Islami as the harbinger of improvement, pledging peace, development, prosperity, and an Islamic system, urging the nation’s support in the forthcoming elections.