Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has publicly denounced the outcome of the recent elections, alleging significant irregularities, and has extended an invitation to Nawaz Sharif, the head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to join forces in opposition within the parliament. Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the transparency of the electoral process and voiced concerns regarding the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) role.
He stated that the central committee of JUI-F has unanimously rejected the election results, citing reservations about the conduct of the ECP. Despite this, he affirmed that JUI-F would actively participate in parliamentary proceedings while maintaining reservations about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman accused external forces of manipulating the elections to undermine Islamic interests, emphasizing JUI-F’s commitment to bolstering Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, a stance allegedly opposed by the United States and Israel.
talks with PTI can not be ruled out
Asserting JUI-F’s ideological steadfastness, he vowed not to compromise on national issues and announced plans to mobilize a movement towards broader goals. He criticized the alleged prevalence of bribery in the electoral process and claimed that party members faced threats and intimidation, with law enforcement reportedly compromised in certain areas.
Challenging the credibility of the electoral process, Maulana Fazlur Rehman invited Nawaz Sharif to join the opposition in protesting against the perceived irregularities. He clarified that the disagreement with the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was ideological rather than personal, suggesting the possibility of reconciliation if PTI’s stance shifted.
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Maulana Fazlur Rehman concluded by outlining JUI-F’s plans for a nationwide protest movement to advocate for their demands, alleging that the scale of electoral rigging surpassed that of previous elections in 2018. He accused the ECP of being influenced by the establishment, leading to a manipulated election process.