Fazl denounces election rigging, Gaza atrocities at Rawalpindi youth convention

RAWALPINDI:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman sharply criticized the ruling government, its electoral process, foreign and economic policies and the ongoing atrocities in Gaza during a youth congress in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

He declared the February 8 elections “fraudulent” and claimed that the current government is operating on the basis of a “false mandate”, which the JUI-F does not recognize.

Addressing the youth, Fazl urged them to play an active role in Pakistan’s democratic struggle. “Today’s rally is important because young people are joining the JUI-F,” he said. “I welcome them and pray that their efforts will lead the freedom movement to its rightful destination, making Pakistan a fortress of Islam and a center of peace.”

Referring to the February 8 elections held two years ago, he said, “The results were rejected and declared false. The government in power today is operating on the basis of a fraudulent mandate. The JUI-F can never be part of such governance, that is why we are in opposition.”

He stressed that the party’s struggle is based on principles and not motivated by a desire for power. “Power is not our ultimate goal. Governments today are formed by forcing parties to unite – such administrations are a parody of democracy and politics.”

Fazl also sharply criticized the Election Commission, alleging serious manipulation of election results.

“Our fight is not against the Constitution or the institutions, but the mandate given by the people must be respected. Everyone knows how this mandate was manipulated. I challenge the Electoral Commission: it did not even know the results of a single constituency. The results were brought from outside. The Electoral Commission failed,” he said.

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He reaffirmed the JUI-F’s stance against what he called “rigged elections”, stressing that the party relies on facts and pursues a path based on moderation and reason to guide the nation.

On foreign policy, Fazl condemned the government for sitting alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Gaza peace council. “How can you sit on a board with the murderer of Muslims? It’s shameful. If the United Nations can boycott Netanyahu, why are we legitimizing his role?” » he questioned.

He expressed his indignation at the current situation in Gaza. “The world has witnessed the suffering of Palestinians. Over the past three years, entire cities have been destroyed, more than 70,000 Muslims have been martyred, and more than 100,000 people have lost their lives. More than 150,000 people are now homeless. These atrocities, supported by the United States, demand global accountability,” he said.

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Fazl also criticized the government’s foreign policy, questioning whether the CPEC mega projects have progressed under the current administration. “The economy is deteriorating, regional neighbors are ahead of us and national security is in danger,” he said.

Regarding domestic governance, he highlighted the failures of legislation and implementation of reforms promised under the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments. “The government is focused on consolidating its authority rather than serving the nation,” he noted.

Concluding his speech, the JUI-F leader called on young people to continue fighting for justice and accountability, emphasizing that the party’s struggle is based on principles and not political opportunism.