During an election rally in Rawalpindi, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq urged the public to reject the politics of traditional parties, PML-N and PPP, in the upcoming general elections. Haq pledged to advocate for the freedom of Kashmiris, Palestinians, and Dr Aafia Siddiqui if his party comes into power. Addressing the crowd at Liaqat Bagh, he emphasized voting for JI’s election symbol, Tarazu, on February 8 for the promise of education, employment, a corruption-free Pakistan, and an interest-free financial system.

Critiquing the PML-N and PPP, Haq accused them of failing to deliver progress despite multiple terms in power. He dismissed the ongoing verbal duel between the two parties as a staged confrontation for public consumption, likening it to scripted wrestling. Haq asserted that February 8 would mark an end to corruption, ignorance, poverty, and lawlessness.

Also Read: JI Chief Urges Rejection of Traditional Parties and Promises Change in Election Rally

Highlighting Pakistan’s significance as a sacred state, Haq questioned why the country, abundant in resources and talented youth, is in a miserable state. He criticized the economic policies of PML-N and PPP, stating that voting for them is equivalent to voting for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Haq claimed that corruption under these parties would increase to Rs10,000 billion per year if they were elected.

Reminding the public of past events, Haq attributed the handing over of Aimal Kansi to the US and the execution of Mumtaz Hussain Qadri to the rule of Nawaz Sharif. Kansi was convicted of the 1993 shootings at CIA Headquarters, and Qadri assassinated Punjab former governor Salman Taseer after the latter supported a blasphemy accused.

The JI chief’s speech addressed the need for change in the political landscape and positioned his party as a viable alternative to address the country’s challenges.