‘Govt, not sit-in, harmed economy’
There is still a way out of the crisis
Sirajul Haq took over the Jamaat in unusual circumstances. Munawar Hasan’s provocative attitude had done the party no good. Never a significant political force, JI’s main constituency here, just like the Ikhwan’s in the Middle East, has always been the middle class, mostly educated. And Qasi sahib had kept them relevant, primarily because of his standing among senior politicians.
That connect went when Munawar tried to mould the party according to his own vision. Siraj not only brought back that relevance, but has also tried to position the party as a more significant political entity than before. His efforts during the dharna deadlock, when he headed the jirga that pushed for negotiations, has brought a new political colour to JI. And at a time when the political scene is in disarray, and the conventional power balance is shifting, there is no saying where the Jamaat might appear when the dust settles.
He talked exclusively to DNA about the current political situation.
Question: What is the best way out of the present political crisis?
Sirajul Haq: The key to resolving the political impasse is with the government and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif must show large-heartedness and resume the dialogue. He must make the talks meaningful and show sincerity toward the democratic process. Confrontation, at this point, could even lead to a roll-back of democratic order, which can have very serious consequences for all political forces.
I hope that the PTI leader Imran Khan would also show political sagacity and help the country get out of the crisis situation. Let me appreciate Imran Khan for showing flexibility regarding his withdrawal of the resignation demand. Now it’s time for the government to reciprocate Imran’s gesture.
Q: Do you think PTI’s sit-in has harmed the economy as the government claims?
SuH: The policies of the government, not the sit-ins, are responsible for the poor state of economy. Economic conditions were poor even before the sit-in started. If the rulers reviewed their economic policies and brought them in line with the country’s requirements, political demonstrations would not matter much.
You may have noticed that no relief was provided to the masses in the budget, nor any attention was paid to the common man’s problems. Instead, all privileges and benefits were directed towards a few select groups. As long as the government follows IMF diktat, the economy cannot improve.
Economic conditions were poor even before the sit-in started. If the rulers reviewed their economic policies and brought them in line with the country’s requirements, political demonstrations would not matter much
Q: Do you think that the government should accept the resignations of PTI lawmakers?
SuH: I have time and again urged the government to show restraint on the issue of the PTI’s resignation, as they do not provide any solution to issues at hand.
I have also urged the government and PTI, on behalf of the jirga, to resume talks immediately. It is still possible to turn this political crisis into a moment of national agreement so the country can move ahead in the spirit of the constitution.
Q. What is way forward in your opinion to carry forward talks?
SuH: The government should implement the decisions arrived at with the opposition jirga during the PTI-PAT sit-ins. So far, neither has any draft regarding electoral reforms been received from the government or the PTI, nor has the jirga been informed of any progress on the issue. I warned the government that if it delayed the setting up of the judicial commission and the reconstitution of the election commission in spite of its agreement with PTI, the next elections would also be controversial.
The rulers should not be under the misconception that the threat to the government had been removed after Tahirul Qadri’s lifting the sit-in. If the government does not honour its commitment, the crisis would deepen. So far, PTI’s attitude has been positive and is leaders are still willing to resume talks. Therefore, it has become imperative for the government to demonstrate a positive attitude and restart the talks for putting things in order.
If electoral reforms are not carried out, it would become difficult to bring voters to polling stations in the future. The general public has lost faith in the prevailing election system because there is no transparency. In the present system, a common man cannot even think of running for parliament. Politics has become business, the people have been voting time and again but there has been no change. As such, time has come that the political parties rise above party interests and find the solution of the common public’s problems.
I have also urged the government and PTI, on behalf of the jirga, to resume talks immediately. It is still possible to turn this political crisis into a moment of national agreement so the country can move ahead in the spirit of the constitution
Q: Jamaat-e-Islami has been tagged as a conservative party. What is your vision on women’s emancipation and empowerment?
SuH: Islam is the only religion in the world that ensures women’s rights and their empowerment in true spirit and manner. Keeping in view a malicious and misleading campaign against the JI, we plan to soon launch a major movement for the protection of women’s rights. We have worked out a charter for women’s rights and it would be presented to the nation soon.
Women constituted 51 percent of the country’s population. Therefore, the JI’s government would allocate huge resources for women’s welfare. Separate colleges and universities would be established for them and appointments of lady doctors would be ensured at hospitals for female patients. Women would be provided interest free loans to start business and to look after their children and families.
Despite making tall claims regarding women’s rights, western governments have actually deprived the womenfolk of the love and affection of family in the name of their rights. In a very shrewd manner, western society has been exploiting women by also thrusting upon them the burden of earning a livelihood.
Quaid-e-Azam had termed women the third big force after sword and the pen. The women in Pakistan were deprived of their rights mainly because westernised NGOs, who talked of women’s rights and believed in superficial activities, but were least interested in women’s uplift. It is JI that came to the help of thousands of mothers and sisters in Waziristan, the tribal areas and the areas affected by natural calamities.
