Reaffirming the Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) stance on the early ouster of the United States (US) from Afghanistan, JI chief Munawar Hassan said, “the presence of US troops in Afghanistan is the main reason behind ongoing crises, especially terrorist acts. Unless we end our friendship with the US, peace will not return.” Addressing the Jalsa-i-Inqilaab in Peshawar on Sunday, Munawar said, “The US has its eye on gas and natural resources in Central Asian region and was patronizing terrorism and violence to fulfill its designs.” He said the government should substitute its relation with the US with China, whom would prove a trustworthy friend.
Munawar claimed the US and NATO were not only behind the Salala attack but each and every terrorism incident in Pakistan, including the Mehran Base attack in Karachi and the attack on GHQ Rawalpindi. He said the Chinese and Iran can prove fruitful substitutes for the US. He said a link-up with China would secure Paksitan’s defense and serve as a counter balance to Indian designs in the region. He said trade links with Iran could help address the energy needs of Pakistan and serve as trade links.
He endorsed the decision to halt supplies to NATO troops in Afghanistan. He said the JI would enter a new electoral alliance but did not comment further on whom the alliance would be with. He criticized the PPP-led coalition government for failing to manage the country and said the PPP was trying to manage its failure under the garb of “Asif Ali Zardari’s illness.” Without naming of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Jamaat Islami chief said that PPP leaders must not hand over party leadership to children.
