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.