JI warns of protests if results not corrected

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq has said the party has become a national-level organisation at the “third or fourth level” after the general elections.

Addressing a press conference at Mansoora on Saturday, he said, “I accept that we have not shown the numbers in the National Assembly, but we have still spread our revolutionary message to the people.” He said that Islamic law was the only solution to the issues facing the country at every level. “We have received more votes than before, and we have moved forward.”

Siraj rejected the election results as massively rigged, calling for the resignation of chief election commissioner and formation of an independent commission to probe the entire poll process. He highlighted the theft of people’s mandate in Karachi in favour of MQM, despite independent surveys indicating a close competition between the JI and PTI-backed candidates. Warning the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to correct the results or face protests, he also urged independents to join JI’s demonstrations. He said the JI could extend the protest to the ECP head-office in Islamabad if its demands were not met. Expressing concern over rigging in Punjab in favour of PMLN, Haq contended that the election outcome was manipulated, questioning the legitimacy of the government formed through such means. He criticised the ECP for failing in its constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections. The general elections should have been held in 2023, but the ECP had desperately failed to meet the deadline for general elections as per the Constitution. Haq also raised issues surrounding the closure of internet and mobile services on the election day, much-delayed announcement of official results and lack of a level playing field for all contestants. He asserted that the flawed 2024 elections mirrored historical patterns, warning of increased polarisation. Accepting defeat in his constituency, Haq congratulated the winning candidate. He vowed the JI would continue its struggle for the rights of people and towards the establishment of rule of law and justice. He appreciated the JI candidates and workers for their efforts during the election campaign. He thanked the voters for expressing confidence in the JI.