The head of Jamiat Ulema-E-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has renewed her call for new elections in Pakistan, describing the general elections of February 8, 2024 as “faked”.
His comments occurred after attending a dinner organized by Pakistan Tehreek-E-insaf (PTI), a leader and former president of the National Asad Qaiser Assembly on Tuesday. The dinner brought together leaders of various opposition parties, including the leader of the Pakistani party Awaam, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Addressing the media following the rally, Rehman reiterated his request for the government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to resign and announce new elections.
He also expressed his concerns concerning the mandate expired by the chief election commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, whose five -year mandate ended on January 26.
While the government adopted the 26th constitutional amendment to extend Raja’s mandate until a new CEC was appointed, it stressed that the consultation was necessary on this subject.
Rehman stressed that the current government no longer represented the people of Pakistan. His comments are aligned with the feelings expressed by Abbasi, which underlined the need for joint efforts to protect constitutional rights.
Abbasi also confirmed that the opposition parties had reached a consensus at the meeting to demand new elections and the release of political prisoners.
The leaders also called at the end of what they called “fascism” in the country and stressed the importance of a government which really reflects the will of the people.
Earlier in the day, Abbasi had met Rehman at his residence to discuss the current political developments in the country.
The unified position of the opposition against the current government and its request for new elections are likely to add pressure on the authorities in power with the approach of February polls.
