Lashing out: Politicos take JI chief to task

Leaders of various political parties on Monday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Munawar Hassan for terming Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud a martyr and negating the martyrdom of Pakistani soldiers. Awami National Party (ANP) central leader Afzal Khan Lala condemned Hassan’s statement, saying JI chief Munawar Hassan and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Fazlur Rehman have belittled the sacrifices of security forces by saying their martyrdom was unjustified. The ANP leader maintained both religious parties’ leaders had rubbed salt in the wounds of those who had lost family members due to militancy.

ANP leader Mian Iftikhar told The Express Tribune JI chief Hassan should come clean on the issue and clear his party’s position in front of the nation. “Sticking to its statements about the army is tantamount to targeting institutions and it would further increase the divide on key national issues,” said Iftikhar. He added Hassan had betrayed the nation and the Supreme Court should take suo motu notice of his remarks. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Provincial President Pir Sabir Shah said the country was facing a critical situation and all parties need to take a united stance to tackle the issue. JUI-F Information Secretary Abdul Jalil Jan opined Hassan should refrain from making such statements. He said the security forces are fighting for the country’s integrity and Hassan should have considered that before making such statements.

Jirga demands apology

Swat’s Nepkikhel Aman Jirga demanded Munawar Hassan take back his “artificial fatwa” wherein he declared terrorists ‘innocent martyrs’ and insulted Pakistani soldiers martyred in the fight against militancy. During a news conference at Swat Press Club, Nepkikhel Aman Jirga President Idrees Khan said Hassan’s statement had hurt the sentiments of the nation. “Declaring Hakimullah Mehsud a martyr is highly condemnable because he has killed thousands of innocent Pakistanis and even claimed responsibility for it,” said Khan, adding militants even accepted they assassinated Major General Sanaullah Niazi. “If Hassan does not take his statement back regarding the martyrdom of Pakistani soldiers, the government must ban the JI like the Bangladeshi government did,” he added.

Hitting back JI Spokesperson Israrullah Advocate lashed out at ANP Senator Zahid Khan’s statement calling for a ban on JI because of Hassan’s remarks. In a statement issued on Monday, Israrullah said the ANP should first put their house in order before making such comments.