The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), undeterred by the ire of the Pakistan Army and refusing to apologise for its chief’s remarks, has said the JI chief Syed Munawar Hassan’s statement regarding the Pakistan Army was correct and according to Sharia Law.
On Sunday, JI chief Syed Munawar Hasan’s recent controversial statements of giving the certificate of martyrdom to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakeemullah Mehsud and deriding military personnel who rendered sacrifices in the war against terrorists, drew a strong ire of the army, which asked the JI chief to tender an unconditional apology.
JI General Secretary Liaquat Baloch said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had issued a political press release which was unbecoming of a military force.
Responding to the ISPR press release over Hassan’s remarks, Baloch said the army did not have the right to interfere in political affairs
Baloch spoke with reporters following the meeting of the JI Majlis-e-Shura that was also attended by the party’s chief Munawar Hassan.
JI chief Munawar Hassan said he was standing by his statement.
Liaqat Baloch said the ISPR had issued a political press release and these issues were being raised to achieve a specific purpose. “The issue at hand is the closure of NATO supplies and end to drone attacks.”
The JI leader said his party was willing to offer any kind of sacrifice for the country.
Baloch said his party had always sacrificed to safeguard ideological as well as geographical boundaries of the country and had always acknowledged Pakistan Army’s sacrifices.
He said, “We condemn Upper Dir and Salala incidents, but the army has no right to question any political party directly.”
According to the JI leader, there was a specific purpose behind diverting attention to personal debates.
He said the country would have to get out of the drone war in order to establish sustainable peace.
Baloch added that Hasan did not attack the reputation of the army, therefore, no questions should be aimed at his statements.
He further said martyrdom was a dignified rank which could only be conferred by “none other than Allah”.
