While presenting the party manifesto at a seminar here, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) deputy secretary general Malik Sikandar Khan said on Wednesday that it pledges to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state.
The event organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) was sixth in the series of seminars, planned to bring manifestos of political parties into discussion and assess their impact on electorates in run up to the general elections.
Sikandar said his party would introduce comprehensive changes in the system based on Islamic laws, where state would not only ensure provision of basic needs to every citizen, but their safety, security and freedom would be protected as enshrined in the constitution.
He was of the view that whenever Islamic laws were implemented in a true sense, the society made socio-economic and cultural progress.
Referring to the party manifesto he said, “The welfare system would be so strong that in some cases, the people for giving zakat would be hard to find and the JUI-F would increase workers’ salary equal to the price of one tola gold.”
He said the JUI-F believed in a strong system of accountability and if voted to power, they would introduce merit in the affairs of civil service and strictly comply with the rule of law.
“The party would give complete freedom to media but media has to observe certain obligations,” he added.
Reflecting upon the foreign policy, he said, “The JUI-F would establish good relations with all the countries on the basis of equality.” He added that the party will make education compulsory up to matric with gradual support at higher levels while minorities will also enjoy the right to establish their religious education centres.
Giving his remarks as a discussant, Saleem Safi, analyst and anchor of Geo TV, asked political parties to not only come up with realistic manifestos but also give due consideration to their implementation.
Safi said, “The JUI-F manifesto is a blend of religion, politics and societal needs. He also praised the party for its broadminded approach in politics and said, “Many people can disagree to the JUI-F politics but its ability to work with liberal parties is commendable keeping in view the broadening divide between ‘right’ and ‘left’ in Pakistan.”
Saleem Safi said social structure in Pakistan is on the verge of collapse, hence political parties, including JUI-F, must address the demand for ‘new social contract’ in their manifesto.
He also pointed towards the lack of civil-military relations in the JUI-F manifesto.
Commenting on compulsory training for jihad for each citizen in the manifesto, he said such considerations would create further chaos in the society.
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