Zardari, Nawaz fear criticising Israel will jeopardise return to power: JI chief

• JI chief questions why political parties are quiet on Palestine issue.
• Previous govts did nothing except embezzling funds, says Haq.
• Political parties go into electioneering mode ahead of Feb 8 polls.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Sirajul Haq Sunday launched a scathing criticism against the rival Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), claiming that the top leadership of the parties including Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif fear that speaking against Israel would jeopardise their chances of forming a government in future.

Speaking at a political gathering in Dera Gazi Khan, Punjab, the JI emir questioned as to why mainstream politicians including Nawaz, Shehbaz, Zardari, and Bilawal are silent over the issue of Palestine, Geo News reported.

"They believe that if they speak against Israel they won't be able to come into power [in future]," Haq said while referring to the Israel-Hamas conflict which has seen more than 15,000 Palestinians — including over 5,000 children — being martyred due to Israeli bombardment, offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip following Hamas's October 7 attack.

The JI emir also lambasted the former rulers belonging to PPP and PML-N along with Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government for failing to deliver.

"What did they do? [other than] embezzling foreign loans," Haq said accusing the former ruling parties of destroying the country's agricultural sector.

His remarks come as political parties in the country ramp up their electioneering ever since the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) — in light of the directions from the Supreme Court — held consultations with President Arif Alvi and announced the date of general elections which are scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024.

The former allies, PPP and PML-N, have also been intensifying their verbal showdown ever since their 16-month coalition government came to an end in August earlier this year.

Bilawal Bhutto-led PPP — complaining of unequal opportunities for political parties — has repeatedly called for the provision of a level playing field — a concern echoed by Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).