TIMERGARA - On Saturday, Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a central leader of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), emphasized the importance of a level playing field for all political parties in the upcoming general elections. Addressing a party workers’ convention in Talash Lower Dir, he urged the Election Commission of Pakistan and the apex court to ensure that the elections take place on February 8 without depriving any specific party of its election symbol.
The event, organized by the JI Youth Wing Talash chapter, witnessed a significant turnout of party workers and youths from the area. Notable speakers at the convention included JI candidate for NA 7 Maulana Dr Muhammad Ismail, PK 16 candidate Shad Nawaz Khan, former tehsil Nazim Riaz Muhammad, JI Youth wing district president Ateeq-ur-Rehman, JI tehsil emir Malik Sher Bahadar, Muhsin Khan, and others.
Recognizing the impact of youth votes, Senator Mushtaq stressed that the 130 million youths in the country play a crucial role. He called upon the JI Youth wing to mobilize both youths and women to vote for JI, promising to provide education to every child, healthcare to every citizen, and distribute national resources equally among the people.
Senator Mushtaq asserted that the right to vote belongs to all 250 million Pakistanis, urging the Election Commission to ensure timely elections. He expressed confidence that militancy would not succeed, and elections would proceed as scheduled on Feb 8. “We will not allow anyone to postpone elections,” declared Senator Mushtaq.
Condemning the arrest of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pashteen, Senator Mushtaq deemed it illegal and unconstitutional. He also spoke against the ‘forced disappearance’ of Balochis, supporting their genuine demands.
The JI leader highlighted the party’s commitment to an Islamic system that ensures equal facilities for education, healthcare, and shelter, as well as justice for all, regardless of social and financial status. Senator Mushtaq accused rulers of looting national wealth and pledged that the JI would hold accountable all those involved. Addressing the justice system, he raised concerns about the 2.1 million under-trial cases in courts, attributing the situation to ruling ‘mafias’ with influence even in the parliament and judiciary.
“Some individuals and political parties may attempt to postpone the general elections under the guise of militancy, but the JI will not allow it,” asserted Senator Mushtaq. He emphasized that delaying polls would amount to surrendering before militants.
Regarding the current country situation, Senator Mushtaq highlighted the weekly increase in prices of daily-use items and the rising unemployment rate among millions of educated youths. He stated that free, fair, and transparent elections are the only solution to the nation’s problems and criticized the unfair practice of depriving a political party of its election symbol and arresting its candidates.