Days after throwing his weight behind the 26th constitutional amendment, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated his demand for new national elections, calling the current assembly “illegitimate” during a meeting with party members in Khushab on Saturday. He remarked, “The country is moving in the wrong direction; we demand fresh elections.” According to media reports, Rehman maintained that JUI-F would remain in opposition and does not intend to ally with the government, adding, “We’ve negotiated with the government as an opposition party and will continue this stance.” The JUI-F chief also voiced his intent to preserve the essence of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, ensuring that its core contents are not altered within other legislative amendments. On the topic of recent leniency granted to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, Rehman declined to comment but advised PTI, “They should learn from us.” Earlier, in remarks to the media, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed hope for a constructive term under new the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. He stated that the nation should “hold good expectations” for the newly appointed Chief Justice and extended his welcome. “Those who have departed, may Allah keep them happy, and may the new ones follow the Constitution and the law,” he added.