Fresh Elections
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for fresh elections in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for assurance that the military establishment will refrain from interfering in the electoral process.
His remarks came during a press conference in Islamabad following a Central Majlis Shura meeting, where he unequivocally rejected the results of the February 8 elections as unacceptable.
Asserting his party’s stance against what he described as interference by the establishment in elections, Fazlur Rehman emphasized the importance of restoring the people’s right to vote without external influence.
He called on Pakistan’s secret agencies and the establishment to stay out of the electoral process for future elections.
During the press conference, Fazlur Rehman disclosed that the Majlis Shura had reviewed the political affiliations of various parties with JUI, recognizing its role within the broader political landscape.
He extended an offer for negotiations to the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) but criticized their lack of unity and failure to appoint a negotiation team.
Critiquing the government’s inflexibility in addressing JUI’s grievances, Fazlur Rehman expressed disappointment, indicating that the Central Majlis Shura had decided to continue its independent political struggle.
The JUI-F chief also addressed national security concerns, highlighting Operation Azam-e-Taqwat and its purported impacts, including heightened anxiety and increased terrorism, which he claimed had surged tenfold since 2001.
Regarding international relations, Fazlur Rehman criticized the U.S. House of Representatives’ recent resolution, labeling it as a diplomatic failure for Pakistan and demanding that America refrain from meddling in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Expressing further concerns, he questioned the silence of the Islamic world and the Pakistani government on the Gaza issue, challenging current Muslim leaders on the legacy they are leaving for future generations.
Reaffirming JUI’s support for Pakistan-China relations, Fazlur Rehman acknowledged the importance of rebuilding China’s confidence in investing in Pakistan while advocating for mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations.
In summary, Fazlur Rehman’s statements underscored his party’s strong stance on electoral integrity, national security, and Pakistan’s international standing, positioning JUI-F as a pivotal voice in the country’s political discourse.
