HYDERABAD: Deputy Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami and Secretary General of the Milli Yakjehti Council, Liaquat Baloch, condemned the February 8, 2024, elections during his four-day visit to Sindh, labeling them the “worst” in Pakistan’s electoral history.
Speaking at annual ceremonies of religious schools and workers’ conventions across Karachi, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Panno Aqil, Bagarji, Rohri, and Sukkur, Baloch called the elections a dark chapter for democracy and state institutions. He urged political stability through impartial elections conducted in line with constitutional and democratic principles.
Baloch expressed frustration over the “fake” elections that led to illegitimate governments responsible for deepening political, economic, and social crises. He cited unemployment, corruption, and abuse of power as major consequences of these fraudulent administrations.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader emphasized that holding elections in the current environment would further damage the democratic process. Instead, he demanded that the actual public mandate from the controversial 2024 polls be acknowledged.
During talks with journalists, Baloch urged opposition parties to unite and fight for electoral transparency, particularly by ensuring the use of Form 45 during vote counts. He reiterated his party’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles, judicial independence, and free, fair elections.
Turning to the educational crisis in Sindh, Baloch decried the deteriorating conditions in schools, colleges, and universities. He noted the growing concerns among parents and youth while commending religious schools for preserving the country’s ideological values.
Baloch also condemned rising crime rates, pointing to terrorism, street crimes, and ransom kidnappings. He blamed corrupt officials for facilitating criminal activities and criticized the government’s inability to maintain security.
To resolve the ongoing political crisis, he urged political leaders to move beyond egos and negotiate national priorities without establishment interference. He stressed that only impartial elections and restored public trust could ensure democracy’s survival.
Prominent leaders including Asadullah Bhutto, Muhammad Hussain Mehnati, Zubair Hafeez Sheikh, Hafiz Tahir Majeed, Hizbullah Jhakro, Sultan Lashari, and Abdul Rehman Mangreo accompanied Baloch during his visit.
