Karachi, Amir Jamaat-e-Islami, Siraj-ul-Haq, has sharply criticized the longstanding dominance of what he calls a “corrupt mafia” in Pakistani politics, accusing ruling parties of being mere extensions of powerful families. In a press conference held in Lahore on December 28, 2023, Haq declared February 8 as a pivotal day for ending family politics and establishing true democratic rule in the country.

According to Jamaat-E-Islami Pakistan, Haq, while unveiling the election symbol of Jamaat-e-Islami – scales – in Mansurah, lambasted major political parties like Muslim League-N, People’s Party, and PTI for their interchangeable policies and leadership. He compared party members to “seasonal birds” who shift allegiances without consideration for political ideology. He criticized the ruling elite for their role in Pakistan’s economic downfall and institutional weaknesses, citing a recent World Bank report that supports his party’s narrative on the failure of Pakistan’s economic model.

Haq emphasized that only Jamaat-e-Islami offers a viable alternative to the nation’s current outdated system. The party has released a revolutionary manifesto and has put forward 222 candidates for the National Assembly and 520 candidates for the Provincial Assemblies.

During the press conference, Haq highlighted the dire state of Pakistan under the current governance, noting the country’s lag behind its neighbors in various aspects. He pointed out the devaluation of the Pakistani rupee, lack of access to healthcare and education for the poor, the enormous national debt, and high unemployment rates among the youth. As per Haq, the judiciary, parliament, and accountability institutions are underperforming, while the ruling elite squander foreign loans, leaving every Pakistani steeped in debt.

In his address, Haq also drew attention to the recent World Bank report that aligns with Jamaat-e-Islami’s long-standing position on the country’s ineffective economic model. He asserted that the root cause of Pakistan’s problems is the rule of mafias under political guises. Jamaat-e-Islami’s manifesto, he claimed, focuses on the rights of various segments of society, including youth, farmers, women, workers, and minorities, and aims for a just, equitable, and prosperous Pakistan.

Haq concluded by addressing the plight of Palestinians, criticizing the inaction of Islamic countries’ leaders in the face of ongoing atrocities. He urged these leaders to take concrete steps to support Gaza and interpret the sentiments of the Ummah correctly.