Daily Times

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday called for fresh elections in the country, insisting on full assurance that the establishment will refrain from interfering in the electoral process.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad following a Central Majlis Shura meeting, Mr Fazl expressed unequivocal rejection of the February 8 election results, declaring them unacceptable. “Our movement against the establishment’s interference in elections will persist,” he asserted.

Stressing the sanctity of the electoral process, he added, “The right to vote must be restored to the people, and the establishment along with our secret agencies should stay away from the new elections.” Fazlur Rehman revealed that the Majlis Shura had reviewed the political affiliations of various parties with JUI, recognizing it as part of a broader political process. He extended an olive branch to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that JUI would welcome negotiations, though he noted PTI’s lack of unity and failure to announce a negotiation team.

Taking a jibe at the government, he lamented its rigidity in addressing JUI’s concerns. “The government is not flexible enough to resolve our grievances,” he said, adding that the Central Majlis Shura had decided to continue its struggle independently. He also highlighted the impact of Operation Azam-e-Taqwat, pointing out that the nation was grappling with increased anxiety and a surge in terrorism, which he claimed had risen tenfold since 2001.

The JUI-F chief also slated the government’s rhetoric regarding potential actions inside Afghanistan, drawing parallels to Pakistan’s decision to hand over its bases to the U.S. after 9/11. He stressed that the constitution delineates the roles of all institutions, and in matters of national defense, the entire nation would stand united with the army. Maulana Fazlur Rehman voiced strong opposition to the recent resolution by the American House of Representatives, calling it a diplomatic failure for Pakistan. “America should stay away from Pakistan’s internal affairs,” he stated firmly.

Attaullah Tarar

Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Culture and National Heritage Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said that the general election would only be held in 2029 upon completion of the constitutional tenure of the incumbent government.

While reacting to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman’s presser, he said the Parliament was an appropriate forum to do politics in the current circumstances. “Solution to all the problems in politics lies in negotiations and dialogue,” the minister added.