Bizenjo, Achakzai, Fazalur Rehman support ‘respect my vote’ movement

ISLAMABAD: Leaders of top political parties Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Mian Iftikhar Hussain Tuesday pledged to support “respect my vote” movement launched by Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N).

They extended their cooperation to supreme leader of PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during a seminar on topic of “upholding of sanctity of vote based on the constitution, democracy, supremacy of Parliament and rule of law” here at National Library.

Chief of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Panama Papers was a conspiracy hatched abroad to destabilize Pakistan.

He said Pakistan was created through a democratic process with a lot of sacrifices but people’s right to govern through vote was not accepted.

Chief of National Party Hasil Bizenjo said Nawaz Sharif was removed from office on the basis of holding an Iqama.

He said Pakistan was at the crossroads and all institutions should be respected and Parliament should lead the country in strengthening democratic process.

Those who get vote of the people should have the right to form a government, he added.

He criticized Tehreek-e-Insaf for damaging politics of Pakistan and for introducing a culture against values of Pakistani society.

Bizenjo said some forces always tried to paint the Parliament in bad light, adding such an attitude was contrary to the interests of the country.

Leader of Awami National Party Mian Iftikhar assured of his party’s support for the campaign of respect of vote and supremacy of parliament.

He said there were numerous incidents in the history of Pakistan, when aspirations of the people were suppressed and people belonging to political parties died in violent incidents.

Mian Iftikhar said, “We support democracy and will not accept conspiracy against the democratic system.”

He said ANP has a history of giving sacrifices for peace and rule of law and his own son was murdered by terrorists when he (Iftikhar) steadfastly stood up against terrorism.

Chief of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Mehmood Khan Achakzai vowed to protect constitution of Pakistan, saying it was a social contract between people of the federating units. “I will defend the constitution and will only respect those who respect the constitution.”

All the leaders urged that youth of Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in tribal areas should be engaged and the issues pointed out by them should be resolved.