JUI-S announces backing PTI contestant in NA-04 by-poll

Farid Shinwari

PESHAWAR: As the political situation ahead of by-election in NA-04 constituency gains momentum, after provincial leadership of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Sami (JUI-S) announced to patronize Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, s (PTI) aspirant for forthcoming by-poll in constituency NA-04 Peshawar.

The announcement came during a joint news conference held on Wednesday at Peshawar Press Club by provincial secretary information of JUI-S and provincial information minister Shah Farman. However the by-election in NA-04 constituency is scheduled to be held on October, 26.

On the occasion, JUI-S leader, Maulana Bilal, district ameer, Maulana Abdul Haseeb Haqqani, Fata leader, Maulana Saeedur Rehman Haqqani, and Mufti Zafar Zaman were present on the occasion. The NA-04 seat had fallen vacant after demise of disgruntled MNA of PTI, Gulzar Khan. The PTI has fielded Arbab Amir Ayub for by-poll in the constituency who is hails from family of late Awami National Party MNA, Arbab Muhammad Zahir.

Provincial Minister Shah Farman while talking on the occasion flayed PML-N led central government for omitting clause of finality of Prophethood (Khatm-e-Nabuwat) from Election Bill 2017 and said it was a sensitive issue to be taken seriously. However, the bill was passed in hurry to benefit Nawaz Sharif.

About the KP government, he clearly said it (govt) had made Khatm-e-Nabuwat, part of education curriculum and took others steps in this regard. He also raised questions over religious parties representation in national assembly during omission of clause from Election Bill 2017.

He clarified that conspiracies are being hatched against the country and they will never compromise on Khatm-e-Nabuwat and vowed to foil any conspiracy against Islam. Welcoming the support of JUI-S, provincial minister claimed the journey of PTI and JUI-S would be continued for longer period.

Talking during a joint conference, provincial secretary information JUI-S, Mualana Yousaf Shah, said his party has never compromised on religious matters and that it backed and encouraged good steps taken by any government in better of interest of people. He eulogized KP government for steps it had taken for promotion of religion and Islamic teachings in the province.

Extending his full support during by-polls in NA-04 constituency, JUI-S leader said his party will join hands with PTI in upcoming by-election. In order to develop pressure on federal government, he stated his party would force the ruling party to bring amendment in Election Bill 2017 passed and also to reincorporate the removed clause.

Mr. Shah blamed that government had passed bill after thoroughly deliberation in several months and that the clause was removed to give benefit to a disqualified person to head a party. He stated that the removal of finality of Prophet Muhammad (Khatm-e-Nabuwat) a western and anti-Islam agenda. He said enemies of ‘Khatm-e-Nabuwat’ want to come into power by taking such anti-Islam steps.

To a question, JUI-S leader said the basic purpose of the two parties’ alliance to attain familiar objectives instead of becoming into power. When asked about revival of defunct Mutahida Majlis Amal (MMA), he said the JUI-S is ready to make alliance with any religio-politio party, but ruled out about reactivation of the MMA till now.