Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq said on Wednesday he cannot ask the protesting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to withdraw its call for a countrywide shutdown when the government itself has not initiated a dialogue yet.
“The government has not yet come to the table so how can I ask the PTI to withdraw its call for a countrywide shutdown?” the JI chief said while addressing reporters after a meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence.
Hopeful that the current political impasse would be resolved through dialogue, Haq said, “I am hopeful and have never lost hope that both parties would resume talks and resolve issues as per the aspirations of the people instead of taking them onto the streets.”
Further, the JI chief advised the government to approach the PTI for resumption of talks as the responsibility lies on the government.
“The talks will be successful as both parties have the desire and willingness to resolve issues through dialogue,” he added.
He added that protesting is the democratic right of every party and the PTI was perhaps protesting in order to press the government to accept its demands though dialogue. “The government is also holding political rallies, which is something good as people get the chance to scrutinise and study their leaders.”
Responding to a question, Haq said that they did not discuss the appointment of a new chief election commissioner (CEC) during their meeting.
“However, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar telephoned me and informed me about three names for the post,” he added.
Regarding reforms in the electoral system, Haq said, “We should adopt a proportional representation system in the country if we really want to keep the sanctity of the ballot intact.”
While explaining his argument, he said that political parties and their heads are always compelled to award party tickets to a select group of people and thus the system needs to be changed.
“I have discussed this proposal with Khursheed Shah as well,” he added.
