JI to issue white paper on corruption: Siraj

Says country has no real democracy or opposition

LAHORE : Jamaat-e-Islami has decided to issue a White Paper on the organised corruption in the country to pave the way for legislation against the evil through the assemblies, said JI Ameer Senator Sirajul Haq.

He said this while addressing a meeting of senior leaders at Mansoora on Saturday to review the corruption-free Pakistan movement of the party.

He said White Paper was essential to counter the delaying tactics and take the matter to its logical end. Sirajul Haq said an effective system of accountability could not develop in the country so far because those who were duty bound to do this were the biggest protector of corruption.

He said the country did not have real democracy nor a true opposition. He said the rulers had always harmed the public exchequer.

Sirajul Haq said the JI would go to any extent for wiping out corruption from the country and added that if corruption was not controlled, even the nuclear capability could not save the country from destruction.

He said the JI would further expand this drive through the courts, the assemblies and the Senate so that those feeling pride in loot and plunder were forced to think it a curse.

He said instead of expediting the probe into Panama leaks and punitive action against the corrupt, the nation was being dragged into a discussion on terms of reference (ToRs). He said corruption of various categories was going on in the country, the economic and electoral corruption.  The meeting expressed satisfaction over the JI drive against corruption, including the train march from Peshawar to Karachi, and decided to expand the movement and speed it up.

Meanwhile, special prayers were offered at the Mansoora mosque for the departed soul of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The JI chief Sirajul Haq paid tributes to the legend for his valuable services for Islam. 

Earlier, British High Commissioner in Pakistan Tom Drew called on JI Secretary General Liaquat Baloch and discussed the issues of bilateral interest.  The JI secretary general urged upon Europe and Britain to abandon the protection of corrupt Pakistanis who were plundering the hard earned money of the Pakistani people and transferring it to foreign countries. He told the British diplomat that people of Pakistan had risen against the corrupt people and the corrupt system. 

Liaquat Baloch said a major factor in the prevailing unrest in the country was the unlawful occupation of Afghanistan by NATO and US troops after the withdrawal of the Soviet Union.

He said world powers were patronising India for their own interests. He said the Kashmir issue was not being resolved and the situation in Afghan-istan was becoming more complicated.  He said Britain should play its role in resolving Kashmir issue to ensure regional peace.

He said that China was a neighbour of Pakistan and a trusted friend. He said China Pakistan Economic Corridor project was a major development plan for the region. He suggested that the US, Britain and European states support the CPEC and stop putting hurdles in its way to serve New Delhi’s interest.

Liauqat Baloch also apprised the British diplomat of the activities of the Milli Yakjehti Council, a joint platform of the religious parties in the country.

He said the religious parties were playing a constructive and positive role and trying their best to promote sectarian harmony.  He said the religious forces wanted peace, peaceful coexistence and mutual love and respect for all.