Daily Times

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday demanded resignation from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on moral grounds over Panama scandal, as it announced to launch a countrywide campaign against corruption from May 1.

Addressing a gathering in front of Punjab Assembly, JI amir Sirajul Haq said that 200 million people in Pakistan were suffering from ‘economic terrorism’ of rulers whose real character has been exposed by the Panama Papers. He said that the people of the country are being fooled in the name of accountability and democracy for the past 68 years, adding that the same ‘dacoits and thieves’ join other parties by simply changing the party flags.

Siraj said that there is nothing for the poor in democracy as it is ‘a game of the capitalists’. He said that the country’s judicial and electoral system is flawed. “Had Sultana Daku been alive in Pakistan today, he would also be a member of the National Assembly or a senator,” he said.

Referring to the Panama leaks investigation, Siraj said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made a commission based on his will which is unacceptable. He said that leader of the opposition was told that the terms of references (ToRs) of the inquiry commission will be finalized after consultation with the opposition, however, the government has announced the ToRs on its own.

Siraj said the opposition parties have rejected the proposed commission, calling it a mere eyewash.

The JI chief presented himself for accountability in the wake of Panama leaks controversy and corruption accusations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family. “I present myself along with my team for accountability as I must begin the fight against corruption from my own house,” he said. “Only JI can save Pakistan from the rampant corruption because we do not have any allegations or stigma of corruption against us,” he maintained. “Why Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s steel mills in Jeddah is in profit while
the state-run Pakistan Steel Mills is suffering huge losses?” he questioned.

While criticising the performance of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the JI chief stated that both had failed to work for the benefit of the people. “We had a lot of expectations from NAB, but now we ask them that how could they forgive those who plundered the national wealth?