ISLAMABAD: As elections are approaching in a few months, two major political parties have apparently called for an equitable environment for all parties, including the PTI, with the exception of those individuals who participated in the May 9 riots that were triggered by the arrest of party leader Imran Khan.
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, without mentioning Imran Khan, expressed his view that it was inappropriate for him (Fazl) to deliver speeches against his opponent while that opponent was incarcerated. He also stated that he did not engage in confrontations with rivals whose hands were tied.
He mentioned that it didn’t befit him to make speeches against his opponent while that opponent was behind bars, emphasizing that their ideological differences would persist. According to the JUI-F chief, he preferred politicians to be free from prison, but if someone was facing legal action, no exceptions could be made. He asserted that the entire administrative machinery was in decline, including a loss of trust in the establishment and bureaucracy.
Though the JUI-F chief didn’t mention Imran Khan by name, he conveyed that he wouldn’t challenge rivals who were handicapped by legal issues. Additionally, he indicated that talks with the PPP could be possible after the accountability of those who had violated the law.
Key Concerns raised by Maulana Fazlur Rehman
Maulana Fazlur Rehman mentioned that, on one hand, inflation and poverty were causing suffering for the people, while on the other, the law and order situation was deteriorating. He questioned the motives behind attacks on JUI-F and the Bajaur bomb attack, suggesting that about 20 party leaders had been martyred in targeted killings.
Furthermore, he criticized the state of security for minorities in the country, highlighting incidents of their places of worship and homes being set on fire. He also criticized the caretaker government, referring to it as an “orphaned government.” Regarding elections, he projected that significant parts of the country, including areas in KP and Balochistan, would be covered in snow by the end of January.
‘Polls only solution’
PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari indicated the possibility of pre-election talks with PTI but stressed the need for accountability in the May 9 violence. He emphasized the importance of timely elections and a level playing field.
PML-N, chaired by Shehbaz Sharif, met in Lahore to plan for Nawaz Sharif’s potential return on October 21. They discussed mobilizing supporters and expressed confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s ability to address the country’s challenges.
