Siraj too calls for PM’s resignation

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami chief Siraj-ul-Haq on Tuesday said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should resign because the JIT report had vindicated the verdict of two Supreme Court judges who had declared that he was no more “Sadiq and Ameen” and couldn’t fulfil the requirements of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

Addressing a press conference, Siraj said the prime minister’s family assets were beyond their sources of income which they had failed to disclose. He urged the Supreme Court to announce its decision as soon as possible so that corruption could be wiped out from the country. He claimed that the court verdict against prime minister won’t harm democracy and, on the contrary, the exit of the corrupt leadership would accelerate strengthening of democratic process. He said for the sake of supremacy of the law, judiciary and to strengthen the institutions, the prime minister should step down immediately and relinquish his duties till the final verdict.

Siraj said the JIT report had given a hope to the masses and the nation was with the Supreme Court. He asked those rejecting the JIT report as trash to be patient and wait for the apex court verdict which, he said, would determine the value of the report.  He said those trying to conceal facts were crying hoarse and wanted to divert the nation’s attention from an important issue by indulging in hooliganism.  Siraj thanked the JIT members for working hard amid tough circumstances and rejecting pressure.

The JI chief said the JIT findings were only a tip of iceberg as there were numerous other crocodiles fed by corruption, building empires and transferring their illegal wealth to other countries. It was not the issue of the Muslim League or any single political party, he added.

Siraj said his party had stepped up campaign against corruption in March last year with the objective of getting rid of financial terrorism which was mainly responsible for poverty and illiteracy in the country.

He said it was also essential to close the door of electoral corruption and pave the way for fair and transparent elections, adding that the JI would fight for electoral reforms in the courts and also in the public.

He said democracy did not mean exploitation and injustice, adding that many people wanted by NAB and those dealing in drugs and illegal arms managed to reach the assemblies because of the weak election system. It was a golden opportunity for the nation to reject such elements for ever and elect honest and sincere people. To a question, Siraj said much had been disclosed about the “gentleman finance minister” and his character was also doubtful.