‘Mandate stolen’ on February 8, says Siraj

TIMERGARA: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) former chief Sirajul Haq on Saturday claimed that the mandate was stolen on February 8, 2024 general elections , plunging the country into chaos and de-stability.

Addressing the annual khatam-e-Bukhari Sharif function at a local seminary in Balambat as chief guest, he asked all state institutions to work within the ambit of the constitution.

Sirajul Haq said that Pakistan lost one of its arms in 1971 when a public mandate was not accepted. The JI former chief said that all state institutions should work within their domain as per constitution. He said the public had lost trust in elections due to unnecessary involvement of the establishment in the process. He said that Punjab was handed over to the PMLN, Sindh to PPP and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to PTI under a preplanned arrangement in the February 8 general polls last year.

Appreciating the role of religious seminaries, the JI leader said that they played an important role in modifying the society and spreading the teachings of Islam. The JI leader said that it was the right time for the whole nation to seek apology and give up the interest based economic system. The constitution should be strictly followed by all stakeholders for progress and development, he said and asked women to come forward and play their active role in reforming the society.

The seminary head Maulana Dr Abu Lubaba, Maulana Inayatullah Islahi, Maulana Ihsanullah Khalis, JI district chief and former MNA Maulana Asadullah and others also spoke on the occasion.

A large number of seminary students, teachers, JI workers, area elders and prayer leaders attended the function. The graduated female students were awarded with certificates.

Meanwhile, The Jamiat Ulema Islam Fazl general secretary for merged districts and senator Maulana Abdur Rashid has said that religious seminaries are symbols of Islamic culture and traditions. He was addressing a conference at Lajbok as chief guest.