ISLAMABAD: JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that he considers the return of PTI Chairman Imran Khan to power “completely unlikely.” He also raised concerns about the feasibility of holding elections in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the intense winter season.
“It is out of the question that Imran, who is a product of a fake and bogus election, will return to power again,” Mr. Rehman said.
He was talking to the media after attending a training convention as a chief guest at Jamia Uloom-i-Sharia.
According to the JUI-F emir, neither he nor anyone else from his party “wished for Imran Khan’s disqualification”.
“He has been disqualified because of his performance; his disqualification is a direct result of his own rule, governance, and policies.”
He added that many individuals in PTI face charges in various cases and will need to resolve their legal matters in court if they intend to run in the elections.
Regarding the polls, the JUI-F chief said it was not possible to hold general elections in KP and Balochistan in January.
“In January, weather would be harsh in Chitral, Khuzdar, and other parts of KP and Balochistan,” he said, adding that despite concerns, his party won’t demand any delay in polls.
The JUI-F is ready to contest elections whenever the Election Commission announces a date, he said.
Answering a question about the prolonged rule of the caretaker government, the JUI-F emir said he was “completely against the philosophy of the caretaker government”.
“I don’t recognize the caretaker government because in [this] government, ‘caretakers’ are someone else,” he said in an apparent reference to the establishment.
Mr. Rehman said Pakistan was lacking peace and financial and constitutional stability.
Ineffective PDM
Mr. Rehman declared that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) had become ineffective as a political platform almost two years after its formation.
Earlier, leaders of PML-N and JUI-F had hinted that they never formed the alliance to jointly contest elections.
Regarding the return of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, the JUI-F emir stated that his party was solely responsible for devising a strategy for his welcome and return, emphasizing the need for a warm reception.
Critiquing the PTI, Mr. Rehman held the party and its leader responsible for the economic crisis, highlighting that under the PDM government, foreign exchange reserves grew from $2 billion to $11 billion and $6 billion of debt was repaid.
He also warned of potential international isolation if Imran Khan were to return, as Arab countries might withhold financial support. Commenting on recent terrorist attacks, he noted that they were sending a negative message to the world at an inopportune time.
