Lack of Public Protest Against Governor’s Rule in KP Raises Questions: Liaqat Baloch
Liaqat Baloch addressing a press conference in Peshawar
Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Acting Emir Liaqat Baloch has questioned the absence of public protests against the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the lack of public resistance has encouraged unpopular measures.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Monday, he said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) should have taken to the streets alongside the people against the removal of its provincial government.
He stressed that protecting the lives and property of citizens must remain the top priority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Establishing peace in the violence-affected areas of the province should be the foremost concern, requiring serious and sustained efforts.
Baloch said a wide trust deficit existed between the government, state institutions and the public, which could only be bridged through dialogue rather than the use of force. He called for an end to the policy of making decisions based on political likes and dislikes.
Describing mineral resources as one of the province’s most serious issues, he demanded recognition of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s ownership rights over its mineral wealth. He also called for complete transparency, saying all matters concerning the province’s mineral resources should be brought before the public.
On Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the JI leader said neither country should allow its territory to be used against the other. He urged the Afghan government not to become part of international conspiracies against Pakistan and called on both countries to resolve their differences through diplomatic engagement and negotiations.
Welcoming indications of local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baloch said Jamaat-e-Islami would participate in the polls with full strength. He demanded that no area of the province be deprived of elected local representatives on the pretext of the security situation.
Turning to the party’s campaign against independent power producers (IPPs) and the petroleum levy, he said Jamaat-e-Islami had postponed its planned long march towards Islamabad at the request of the prime minister.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman had demanded a reduction in production costs, measures to improve the economy and the creation of employment opportunities for the people, Baloch said.
He announced that negotiating committees formed by the government and Jamaat-e-Islami would meet on Tuesday to discuss the petroleum levy. If the government failed to announce relief for the people, the party would launch its long march towards Islamabad in mid-November.
Baloch said Jamaat-e-Islami was playing a frontline role in the opposition. He recalled that the party had opposed the formation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and had also resisted the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments.
He said the party would likewise oppose any move towards a 28th constitutional amendment aimed at further strengthening the hybrid system of governance.
He maintained that Jamaat-e-Islami's struggle was being conducted within the framework of the Constitution and law to secure economic relief and protect the rights of the people.