LAHORE - Expressing the hope that the current political tension would be defused, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq said his party is willing to play a role in this regard in the larger national interest.
Talking to The Nation on Tuesday, Sirajul Haq confirmed that Federal Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafiq had contacted him on the telephone and urged him to play a part in saving the democratic system. He said that some options were come under discussion during his talk with the minister and a way out would be ensured to address concerns of the PTI and PAT. He said the government owes greater responsibility to save the system and address concerns of other parties. He maintained that the current situation in the country has no room for the politics of confrontation. He expressed the hope that the sanity would prevail on both sides and the option of defusing political tension would remain alive.
It may be mentioned here that Khwaja Saad Rafiq being directed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has contacted JI chief Sirajul Haq.
Meanwhile, PPP Co-chairman and former President Asif Ali Zardari also contacted JI chief Sirajul Haq from London and discussed with him the country’s political situation.
According to the JI spokesman, the two leaders agreed that the situation was alarming and heading towards confrontation and it could seriously harm the democratic system. They agreed that all the sides should show flexibility to cool down the situation. They also agreed the top leadership of both parties should sit together and work out a solid line of action to pull the country out of the present crisis.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah is likely to meet the JI chief on Wednesday (today). Both the leaders are expected to share the views on a common stand and joint strategy to avert any turmoil which is likely to take place on the political horizon on account of the PTI long march on August 14 and PAT revolution.
Talking to media in Islamabad, Sirajul Haq said the democratic process must continue and the opposing parties should sit together to resolve their political issues. He warned that if the political parties did not behave seriously, the third force could exploit the situation. He said that different avenues were available and the JI was ready for mediation. He said the Federal Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan had contacted him regarding the PTIs’ long march and the JI wished that all the issues should be resolved through talks. He said he would like the government to satisfy the PTI leadership about recounting in a few constituencies. At the same time, he would like the PTI to find out a middle way.