Emir Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Sirajul Haq has said that his party will not back the government-proposed amendments in the Army Act and take a principled stance on the matter. Haq announced this while talking to the reporters here on Friday. He expressed regret over the manner the amendments were proposed, saying the ruling party displayed an undue haste in proposing changes in the Act.

"The entire process adopted by the government seems an attempt to prove that Parliament is a rubber stamp," he said. He said the decisions being made on the basis of the Prime Minister's liking or disliking are tantamount to weaken the national institutions. It would have been in the benefit of the institution had the government introduced the amendment before November 15, he added. Siraj said the country desperately needs to come out of the "doctrine of necessity" as it always causes embarrassment for the entire nation before the international community.

To a question, he said it is a good omen that two main opposition parties (PML-N and PPP) are backing the PTI on the Army Act, adding it is high time for the three parties to display unity to bring the country out the prevailing crises of bad economy, inflation and poverty.

"If the three parties [the PTI, the PML-N & the PPP] can portray unity to safeguard their interests then what the hurdle is in becoming united to resolve the problems of the masses," he said.

Expressing surprise over the politics of three parties, he said it is proved that they all are virtually on same page but act differently sometimes. The JI emir said a powerful army is the need of the country keeping in view the regional situation. He said India can attack anytime to divert the world's attention from its internal situation and human rights abuses in Kashmir. In case of any Indian aggression, he said, the JI would be at forefront and stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave armed forces to protect the country's sovereignty.