Islamabad – Jamaat-e-Islami Punjab (JI-P), Dr. Tariq Saleem, has strongly criticized the Punjab government for what he termed its indifference toward public suffering, saying that while innocent citizens are being martyred in tragic incidents of terrorism across the country, the provincial government remains busy celebrating festivals such as Basant.
He expressed these views during a press conference after attending the Central Executive Council meeting of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan. Dr. Tariq Saleem said that terrorism has plunged the nation into grief, extinguishing the “lamps of countless homes” and creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. In contrast, he said, the Punjab government’s focus on celebratory events reflects a disturbing disconnect from the people’s pain and problems. Dr. Tariq Saleem termed the Punjab and federal governments as the most unsuccessful and incompetent in the country’s history, alleging that they were imposed on the people through Form 47. He said the rulers neither empathize with public suffering nor show seriousness toward the grave challenges facing the country. Terrorism, inflation, unemployment, and widespread unrest, he added, have made life unbearable for citizens, while the ruling elite remains preoccupied with “exhibitions and unnecessary events.” Talking specifically about Basant,
Dr. Tariq Saleem said that the Punjab government’s patronage of what he described as a “dangerous and bloody game” is highly condemnable. He noted that dozens of precious lives have been lost over the years in the name of Basant, while hundreds have been injured or permanently disabled. Despite this human tragedy, he said, the rulers continue to ignore the consequences. He added that at a time when the nation needs unity, seriousness, and responsible decision-making, the government is attempting to divert attention from its failures by engaging the public in futile activities.
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Referring to recent terrorist incidents, he said the entire nation is in mourning and that anti-national forces are attempting to sabotage peace in Pakistan. However, he remarked, the priorities of the rulers suggest a complete lack of understanding of ground realities. Dr. Tariq Saleem demanded an immediate and permanent ban on Basant, the adoption of a serious and effective strategy to eliminate terrorism, and concrete steps to provide real relief to the people. He concluded by saying that Jamaat-e-Islami will continue to raise its voice against policies that endanger human lives and ignore the genuine concerns of the public.