ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Deputy Ameer and former MNA Liaquat Baloch has condemned the arrests of political leaders following moves to impose Governor's Rule and a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that such measures could deepen the country's political crisis.
Addressing a gathering of Jamaat-e-Islami members in Sargodha, Baloch said the party could challenge the government's move in a constitutional court, describing it as a misuse of constitutional powers. He urged the government to reconsider the measures, withdraw them and initiate dialogue with the opposition. He said political disputes should be resolved through negotiations and mutual understanding rather than force or extraordinary administrative measures. Such actions, he added, could further undermine the Constitution, democracy and political stability.
Liaqat Baloch also criticised the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for what he described as a serious political mistake in using constitutional provisions to bring a no-confidence motion against the government of former prime minister Imran Khan. He said invoking Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution to impose emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would constitute an even greater political error. He warned that although state power could suppress popular political movements temporarily, the consequences could have lasting repercussions for constitutional governance, democracy and the state.
Jamaat-e-Islami North Punjab Ameer Dr. Tariq Saleem said imposing a state of emergency or Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would run counter to democratic principles and could ultimately harm those responsible for the decision. Referring to similar measures taken in Punjab in the past, he said such steps had failed to produce positive results.
Dr. Tariq Saleem said Pakistan needed political stability, national consensus and a democratic approach to address its challenges. He urged the government to prioritise dialogue over confrontation. He added that Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its struggle against economic hardships and government policies affecting the public, pursuing all democratic and peaceful means to secure the acceptance of public demands.
Jamaat-e-Islami Sargodha Ameer Owais Qasim Talha, District Secretary General Dr. Tahir Farooq, and other party leaders also addressed the gathering.