Election 1997
and Jamaat-e-Islami:
Why did we not take part in the last
elections? Why did we not make an alliance with another political party? And what did we
gain from this boycott?
The answer to this question is, that
this was not an emotional decision, but a well contemplated one. We knew that the Islamic
Movements could face a situation when, compared to taking part in an election, a boycott
would benefit them more. However, not to have taken part in the elections, certainly does
not mean, that we shall not contest elections in the future.
Taking part in the ‘97
elections was, in our opinion, a total loss. Before that, we had tried our utmost to
change the present electoral system, so that one group of looters may not replace another
through elections. But the electoral system could not be changed, because the real power
lay in the hands of the protectors of this system. In spite of our demand, the
implementation of Articles: 62 & 63 of the Constitution, was refused. In other words,
the way was paved, for the nomination and election of the same corrupt people, who were
directly responsible for the devastation of the country in the past. It was useless to
participate in elections under these circumstances, and our doubts were proven correct.
The same feudal lords and capitalists were once again elected in the February ‘97
elections; the majority of whom, is devoid of honesty and trustworthiness. They have
thoroughly plundered the nation’s resources in the in the past, and continue to do so
today. In our calculated opinion, these are the same people, who are responsible for all
the miseries of Pakistan, since the past half-century. The nation can neither get out of
this vortex of lawlessness, poverty and injustice, nor change the present, unjust and
oppressive system, unless it gets rid of them.
The overwhelming majority of these
people, who have formed the present government, belongs to this, same, selfish lot. We are
absolutely sure, that they cannot remove the imperfections of the present system. Neither
can they bring Pakistan out of the present crisis, because honesty and integrity is not a
constituent element of their brew. Nor can they establish an Islamic system; and Pakistan
cannot get out of its present predicaments without the establishment of an Islamic order.
Let alone an Islamic system, these people are not even capable of establishing and running
a western system; which they represent, and are agents of.
Take ‘Ehtesab’ for
example, which the present government used as a slogan to come to power. Can there be real
accountability with Nawaz Sharif’s present policy of accountability? He has
altogether eliminated a complete era, since 1985 to 1990, from the ‘Ehtesab’
Bill; whereas, most of the discrepancies had occurred during this period. The extent to
which corruption was committed during that period, had never been committed before. Who
does not know; who took, how many loans, and how much of them was written-off. There are
complete records of this corruption with the State Bank and other banks. But this black
era was whitened by Nawaz Sharif. In reality, there is darkness all around the present
government, and its own dignitaries and patrons are involved in this wickedness. The
Muslim League wants to escape accountability of the corruption, that it is itself, equally
involved in.
A claim is being made, that the
appeal against the [FSC’s decision about the] abolishment of ‘Interest’
from the economy, pending hearing at [Shariah Appellate Bench of] the Supreme Court, was
withdrawn. In reality, a fresh appeal has been made to the Shariat Court to review its
decision. This is also an act of fraudulence. What actually required of them was to
reverse their decision, instead of taking back the appeal. But they instead asked for a
grace period, to keep imposed a curse, like Interest, on the nation, for another two
years. They believe they will get a period of another two years, but, with such acts as
theirs, who knows whether they will get that chance at all.
During Zia-ul-Haq’s era, there was deceit and
deception for eleven years, under the guise of ‘Interest-free Banking’. Then,
another nine years passed with ‘Interest’, through lies and deception. Now, they
want to pass another two years, through treachery, by lodging an appeal with the court to
change its decision, but which is falsely being posed as taking back the appeal from the
Appellate Bench. Does not Allah, clearly command, regarding ‘interest’, that it
amounts to declaration of war against Allah and His Prophet (PBUH)? How can we make peace
with those, who are asking for a respite of two years, to continue the war with Allah and
The Prophet (PBUH).
Jamaat-e-Islami’s
Membership Drive (1997):
We had, in the past, made an
alliance with the Muslim League, and went door to door, asking for votes on their behalf,
because we were promised that Islamic System would be promulgated in the country; that
there would be no subordination of the West; that there would be no ‘Interest in
economy’; that there would be no friendship with India without setting first, the
basic issues; that Kashmir shall be freed; that peace will be established in Afghanistan;
that peace would be established within the country; and that justice would be provided to
the people. But none of these promises were honoured. The Muslim League was not able to do
anything. Therefore, we separated and purified our organisation from it. We have now
organised our political movement by ourselves. We now ask people, whom we used to seek
votes from, to become members of the party which will promulgate the Islamic System; for,
in that decision alone, lies the salvation, yours, ours, and of the whole country. Our
experience shows, that persons who have become members display a rapid change. If they
have changed, and if they realise that they have joined a good organisation, then,
InshaAllah, no one will ever be able to use them for propagation of the evil. There are
many good people in our society, who were not with us in the past; we have now gained
access to them. We want them to join us, because of their inherent goodness; love for, and
attachment to, Islam. We are sure that if a majority of good people gather under the
banner of ‘La-Ilaha-il’Allah-Muhammad-ur-Rasool-Allah’, then, the country
will see true revolution, the homework of which we have already completed. Then,
Insha’Allah, there will be sunshine all around, and the clouds of darkness will fall
back by themselves.
We had many pleasant experiences
during this membership drive. The people are open hearted. If they meet a true Muslim and
a patriot, they readily embrace him. Until today, they have been deceived by the same
claim; but now, they are beginning to differentiate between the true and the fake. Indeed,
our own workers and activists are becoming motivated. According to reports that we have
collected, regarding effects of the membership drive, even the so-called ‘dead’
party-workers have risen and are becoming active. Slowly and steadily, those who had given
up all hope are showing inclination for work. We have broken the impasse; just as running
water gets cleansed of its germs, so too, with the movement of a caravan, its members
overcome their physical and spiritual problems.
Remedy For
Despair:
Admittedly, the people of
Pakistan are, in general, victims of despair. Those, who were fed up with the Peoples
Party, are now frustrated with the present government and the Muslim League. They could
not get anything from the elections and are therefore, despairing from democracy and vote,
itself. They hold little hope from Martial Law or the military. We feel that this despair,
can only be removed, by making contact with the public. Our workers will, InshaAllah,
establish offices of the Jamaat-e-Islami, in every street. The public will be convinced
that there is now, only one way left: ‘The way of Islam’ …… The way of
Jamaat-e-Islami. Critics say: "Jamaat-e-Islami is a small party, it cannot come to
power". This notion should now be dropped. When it will have 5 million members, and
an office in every street and neighbourhood, this false notion will disappear by itself.
The light of hope will illuminate in the hearts of people. I am sure, that within three or
four months, this whole scene of frustration will change into one of hope and aspiration.
I am sure that when Allah’s blessings will be with us, people will witness the change
with their own eyes.
Those, who want to rectify the
situation through Martial Law, are mistaken. Martial Law will not be imposed now. And this
concept of democracy, in which only feudal lords, capitalists and a special breed of
cunning people succeeds, will also vanish. When Jamaat-e-Islami enters the halls of
government, all doubts and fears will be dissipated. We will not cure disease with
disease, nor terminate evil with evil. Our faith is: "No doubt, only good deeds can
end evil".(Al-Quran). We would not want and let Martial Law to be imposed again; or
to have capitalists and feudal lords, debase it again, in the name of democracy. We will,
InshaAllah, try to avoid that.
Bloody Revolution or An
Islamic Revolution?
When people become frustrated,
then, without thinking, they also say that the only remedy for this country is ‘a
bloody revolution’. This is a dangerous mood. We must make the people realise, that,
that would be inviting a new catastrophe. Blood is already cheap in Pakistan; there is
bloodshed every day. Has this bloodshed brought about a revolution? If there is blood
flowing all around, what kind of revolution would come about? The concept of a bloody
revolution is inhuman and not Islamic. There is only one way to cause an Islamic
Revolution, and that is, to start a movement which has a predetermined objective, and a
predetermined leadership. When the people rise in accord with an Islamic ideology and
leadership, sure, no one will come in front of such a movement. If someone does try to
oppose it, he will not be able to confront it. If an attempt is still made to create
unrest, then people will not hesitate, even offering sacrifice. Changes are brought about
by sacrifices, not through bloodshed. When four of our men were martyred last year (June
1996), all of Pakistan witnessed, how big a change occurred due to that. This was a
movement against the government of Peoples Party, during which, we had tried to avoid a
clash. In this peaceful movement, in spite of the government’s provocation, our men
avoided a resort to violence . Although an option of this type was created by the
government, but they still chose peace.
Nowadays, there is a need to create
awareness among the people, how to elect an honest leadership. After accepting such a
leadership, and under its guidance, a journey on the path of change, through peaceful
means, will become easy. Jamaat-e-Islami, after completing its target membership of 5
million, can easily guide the people in this direction.. When people rise from every
street, neighbourhood, city and town, this dilapidated system will automatically crumble
and give way. We have to tell the people which leadership can take care of the country and
which cannot. Even the greatest of evil forces surrenders, when confronted with a mass
awareness. The present system will also give way. If not, it will be compelled to do so,
after it has been subjugated.
The ‘Objectives
Resolution’ is part of the Constitution of Pakistan. It is a good foundation. This
Resolution holds the potential of an enormous change within itself. During the
half-century history of Pakistan, because of the struggles, demands and pressurising the
Islamic Movement, a lot of positive changes have already taken place. Islam has become a
compulsory subject in the ‘syllabus of life’ of this nation. No one now, has
enough courage to steer the country towards a secular path. ‘Motivation Cells’
have been established in the sensitive institutions and a fairly large amount of work, on
Islamic teachings, has being carried out. Although lot more is still to be done in this
respect.
The system of the armed forces also
needs to be changed as required for other organs of the government. It is a remnant of the
era of subjugation, and needs to be changed in a manner befitting the Pakistan’s
Armed Force’s motto, faith, piety and Jehad-fee-sabee’lil’lah’. Laws
and the Constitution need to be amended. The recommendations prepared by the Council of
Islamic Ideology, provide sufficient Islamic base, to bring about the changes in the
judicial system. In the presence of the Constitution, moulding the entire legal framework
into an Islamic structure, is not difficult any more.
Such institutions as the Judiciary
and the Council of Islamic Ideology are there to remove any confusions. The Council of
Islamic Ideology can be reorganised, so that ulema, jurists and scholars get be above
compromises,.......have a true concept of ‘Deen,’......are pious, content and
able to pass judgement, laying aside, any compromise. The Council of Islamic Ideology thus
has a very important and basic role to play. The people will have faith in it after it has
been restructured. Then only, will people realise that they are being guided in the right
direction. We have to convince the people that a ‘Bloody Revolution’ is a path
leading to destruction and the ‘Islamic Revolution’ is the path ensuring true
change and deliverance.
Our Defence In Our Hands:
The country is richly endowed with
resources, but these are being wasted through corruption and also being transferred
abroad. Economic devastation has crossed the limits. But it will be very wrong if, instead
of ending corruption, an attempt is made to reduce defence spending. We do not want our
defence to be weakened. We want to make the state strong. Strengthening of the defence and
the capabilities of the Armed Forces is a requirement of our faith and belief. Especially
nowadays, when disguised capitalist NGOs and multinationals are active all around, its
importance has increased ever more. If we reduce our defence budget or weaken the defences
of our the country because others have demanded so, we would not be able to maintain our
independence. Even allowing such a thought is extremely foolish. This is akin to handing
over the government to Jews and other anti-Islamic powers. We would not let international
financial agencies to gain un-constrained control of our internal, external and defence
projects. We believe that these so-called NGOs and the multinationals should not be
allowed to wander about unchecked. We want the state to have assured superiority over all
its affairs and organs. If it is being alleged that western powers want to grasp the
freedom of Pakistan, it is because of the direct and indirect interference by the
international colonialist powers, under the guise of private investment. We believe in
proper rules and regulations for international investment; which would protect national
security and dignity. Just as we are against borrowing foreign loans, in the same manner,
we cannot allow any foreign investor, to have the right of making important decisions in
our country.
Improvement of the Economy:
When Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power,
improvement of the economy will be one of its first priorities. To begin with, we will,
bring back the plundered wealth. We shall then, organise a moral education of the
administration and the bureaucracy, so that they consider themselves caretakers and
guardians of the national and state wealth and not the owners and inheritors. We will make
education common, so that every person in society understands consciously the meaning of
trusteeship and trustworthiness. The difference between us and communists is, that they
take the financial and material matters as the prime root of the problem, whereas, we take
the educational and moral aspects, as the most important factors. In our view only better
education and training in good moral behaviour, can correct the system at large
permanently. We will, InshaAllah, try to reform the mass media and educational
institutions. In this modern era, the importance of the mass media has substantially
increased for the propagation and improvement of education. A complete reform of the
educational structure is a permanent component of our program. Teaching staff will be
organised in such a manner, so that they could educate the students in the best possible
way. For this purpose, both long and short term programs will be planned.
National training and moral
development, in our opinion, is a continuos process. By augmenting an atmosphere of
morality, benevolence and honesty will flourish. For this, it is essential that the rulers
should present themselves as models of austerity and honesty, and bring their standard of
living down, to that of the average citizen. By doing so, the rat-race of trying to become
rich overnight will end by itself, and a culture based on brotherhood and co-operation
will be established. Instead of competing at construction of palaces, people will try to
excel each other in morality and character. The simple living standards of the rulers will
be presented to the public through the media, and that would be a model which everyone
will be required to follow. Through articles, magazines, newspapers and other means of
communications, the thinking of the citizens will be moulded so that they prefer to live
simple lives.
We will give incentives to the
people for improvement of the economy, and in this context, the basic, innermost theme
will be good conduct and honesty. The fire of sectarianism in which the nation is burning
nowadays, can only be extinguished by the enforcement of the law of brotherhood. The Holy
Qur’an has declared the ‘wealth’ of fraternity a ‘Gift From
Allah’, we will make this gift available to everyone.
Boosting industrial and agricultural
production, is one of our important targets, for strengthening the security of the country
and the Ummah. This task is possible only through the spirit of continuous struggle. Trade
with Islamic countries will be expanded; this will give stability and strength to the
Ummah. We will increase productivity in a manner which would fulfil the needs of the
Muslim nations, and also help our own national requirements.
A Model Pakistan:
Progress and development is an
integral part of the model of Pakistan, which we hold in our imagination. Nations prosper
with the prosperity of their people. We want to give the over 130 million Pakistanis equal
access to national resources. Resourceful and the elitist groups will not be able to
exploit the weak and poor people. Everyone will have equal opportunities for progress; but
love and co-operation will be used, instead of hate and revenge, in the distribution of
rights. Imagine a Pakistan in which, instead of the dominance of a few hundred big
industrialists, businessmen and capitalists, tens of million people will be owners of
industries and partners in the development of trade, agriculture and other sectors.
Imagine that ideal Pakistan, where
the child of every poor person would be educated at the best possible educational
institutions- - - - - where a poor labourer will avail modern medical facilities, like any
other citizen of the state. Where undue disparity would not be present, between a top boss
and a junior functionary. The President and the Prime Minister of the country will also
live in ordinary houses, where there will not be an army of servants. The members of these
households, will do their work themselves. Al’hamdo’lillah, workers of the
Jamaat-e-Islami are already living such lives. For them, keeping this standard of living,
even after reaching high offices, will be no difficult job.
The assumption, regarding us, that
we will deprive people of healthy entertainment and enjoyment is also not correct. In
fact, we would want the whole society to become a house of happiness and delight. Our
style of sports will also be unique. Separate playgrounds for children and women will be
constructed. Men will have their own sports complexes. Our model is such that even in play
the spirit of gentleness, co-operation and brotherhood should prevail.
We intend to construct model
villages. People will be encouraged to establish these exemplary towns in such a way, that
those towns would be envied by the big cities. InshaAllah, we will plan these model towns
even better than Europe and America. Our exemplary towns will later become models, which
the whole world would want to replicate. We will see to avoid in them, those problems,
which are very common all over the world. They will also have all those amenities, which
can be imagined of, in any of the most advanced, modern, welfare societies.
The foundation of our society will be laid, not on
enmity, or revenge, but on love and sincerity. If someone believes that heads will be
raised on lances, and hands and feet will be amputated, then he better change his
convictions. We have the courage and ability to forgive our worst enemies. We have the
example of our beloved Prophet (PBUH), before us. He ordered general amnesty, when he
conquered Mecca, and even pardoned all the past crimes of his (PBUH) worst enemies, and
adopted an attitude of mercy towards them. When we will enter this new era, we will try to
avoid all sorts of retaliatory actions. Although, all looted wealth will definitely be
taken back from the embezzlers. For this purpose, the system of reward and punishment,
which Islam has given us, will guide us to make right decisions.
"Adopted from an article by Qazi Hussain Ahmed
published
in daily The Jang, Rawalpindi on August 27, 1997."
