Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Sindh, Kashif Saeed Sheikh, has warned that the country’s rulers and powerful forces are repeating historical mistakes that could endanger national unity, alleging that the judiciary is currently being weakened through forced constitutional amendments passed with a “fake majority”.
In a statement issued on Monday on the occasion of the Fall of Dhaka, Sheikh described December 16, 1971 as a “great tragedy” and “the darkest day” in Pakistan’s history. He emphasized that the country, founded in the name of Islam, was bifurcated just 24 years after its creation due to the “ego, stubbornness, and obstinacy of selfish rulers”.
The provincial ameer expressed regret that politicians have not only failed to learn from the past but have also made no effort to understand the lessons from the national tragedy like the separation of East Pakistan. He said that the conduct of various governments over the past 88 years regarding the nation and its integrity is “as clear as day”.
Sheikh attributed the 1971 separation to root causes of political instability, economic injustice, leadership failure, and military intervention. He criticized that even after 54 years, the Hamoodur Rehman Commission report has been suppressed, and no individual responsible for breaking the country was ever held accountable.
Drawing lessons for the present era, the Jamaat-e-Islami leader pointed out the contradiction that tribal and Baloch groups are labeled “traitors” while on the other hand, “begging to talk to its eternal enemy, India” is pursued. He stressed reconciliation and dialogue with internal dissenting groups to build a “solid wall against the enemy”.
Reflecting on historical turning points, Sheikh said that Pakistan’s history could have been different if Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah had not been defeated through alleged rigging in the 1965 elections or if rulers like General Yahya Khan had not been imposed on the country.
He concluded by appealing to politicians and other influential figures in society to sacrifice their egos for the security of the present-day Pakistan and promote an atmosphere of mutual harmony, advising the rulers to take practical steps to keep the country united rather than taking actions that harm national cohesion.