Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addresses a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, alongside TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI’s Asad Qaiser. SCREENSHOT
ISLAMABAD:
Despite the devastating suicide attack that rocked the federal capital on Friday, the opposition alliance has decided to continue with protests planned for February 8, marking the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections, which it continues to dismiss as rigged.
The move followed a meeting in Islamabad between Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, during which the two leaders coordinated their protest strategy and explored the possibility of holding a joint demonstration on that day.
The PTI-backed Tehreek Tahafuz Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) and the JUI-F have dismissed the February 8 elections as “rigged”, alleging manipulation of the controversial Form 47 results.
The meeting follows earlier protest announcements by the opposition alliance.
In December, TTAP held a two-day conference and declared February 8 a “black day,” announcing a nationwide gridlock and locks-up strike.
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman later echoed a similar call in January, which was welcomed by the TTAP leadership.
After their meeting, Achakzai and Fazlur Rehman addressed a joint press conference.
Speaking on the occasion, Achakzai said there was consensus among opposition parties that the public mandate was forcibly stolen on February 8 and people were subjected to coercion.
He said several “black laws”, including the PECA law, had been applied, while the powers of the judiciary had been reduced.
Achakzai added that while the JUI-F was planning to hold public rallies, the opposition was also deliberating on a strike due to wheel locks.
Strongly condemning terrorism, the opposition leader said all parties unequivocally denounced such acts.
He also termed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to cancel Basant celebrations in Lahore as appropriate in view of the current security situation.
Addressing the media, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced his full support for TTAP’s call to protest, saying the JUI-F would align its agenda with the alliance’s plans.
He reiterated that the February 8 elections were imposed on the people and demanded new, free and fair general elections in accordance with the public mandate.
He also claimed that the opposition’s stance against allegations of manipulation has remained unchanged since the formation of the current assemblies.
Maulana added that whenever there is a demand for fresh elections after frauds, it is said that the circumstances are not appropriate. He wondered who would decide whether the circumstances were appropriate.
The political action comes against the backdrop of a massive suicide attack in Islamabad on the same day, when a suicide bomber targeted an imambargah on the outskirts of the capital, killing more than 31 people and injuring more than 169 others, sharply increasing security concerns as opposition parties prepare for street mobilization.
In the aftermath of the attack, several events organized by the government were canceled as a sign of mourning.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the cancellation of all Basant-related activities in Lahore.
