Opposition unites to demonstrate on February 8 and condemns Islamabad blast

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday announced his party’s support for the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) protest scheduled for February 8, saying all opposition parties shared the same position that the 2024 general elections were rigged.

Addressing a press conference alongside TTAP leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Maulana Fazl said his party would fully support the wheel lock and February 8 strike announced by the movement.

“We support their February 8 appeal regarding wheel blocking and wheel blocking, and if our party has planned a rally or procession, we will cancel it, or if it cannot be canceled, we will organize it at such a time that it does not affect wheel blocking or wheel blocking,” he said.

He said the JUI-F would also align its programs with the calendar of protests announced by the TTAP.

“Our demand is one, our position is one. The rigging took place on February 8, and we have opposed this rigging since the first day, and we all have the same position,” he said.

Criticizing the role of the establishment, Maulana Fazl said his attitude did not change even after the elections. He said the same behavior continued in subsequent by-elections.

“We are firm on our position, and our position on this issue is also one. Just as we rejected the elections of February 8, 2024 on the same day, we remain firm on this position today too. Even today, we reject it and demand fresh elections,” he added.

Condemning the suicide attack on an imambargah in Islamabad, the JUI-F leader expressed deep sadness and expressed sympathy and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and injured.

He called the incident a failure in securing peace and said authorities should accept their mistake. “We were shouting that this is the situation in KP or this is the situation in Balochistan…the entire state has become helpless,” he said.

He said his party did not want the state to weaken but wanted to see it strong, adding that although national defense was important, the difficulties faced by the people for several decades had not yet seen any significant change.

Speaking on the occasion, Achakzai said the opposition had raised concerns in February over alleged manipulation of public mandate. He said that “under the threat of guns, under the pressure of courts, money and force, the opinions of 250 million people were changed everywhere”, adding that those protesting against the fraud were then subjected to violence and legal prosecution.

He said thousands of people had FIRs registered against them and also condemned the recent judicial amendments, saying judicial authority had been curtailed and voices silenced under the PECA Act.

He said there was consensus among opposition parties to protest against the government in a democratic manner and they had asked Maulana Fazl to show accommodation regarding the February 8 traffic jam strike, for which he expressed gratitude.

Achakzai, who is also the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, also condemned the Islamabad attack and said all forms of terrorism were unacceptable. “We condemn all forms of terrorism, whether it comes from the government, any individual, any party or any group,” he said.

He said terrorism was not limited to one region but affected the entire world, adding that associating terrorism with Islam and humanity was dangerous. “The Holy Quran considers the killing of a human being as the killing of all humanity. We are such people, we follow such a religion,” he said.

He reiterated his calls for a roundtable involving all institutions to chart the way forward. “This is our country; we want to save and manage it,” he said, adding that the country could only function when power rests with an elected parliament and policies are formulated there.

Commending security forces and agencies for their sacrifices, he said civilian supremacy was essential for the smooth functioning of institutions, warning that failure to ensure it could lead to serious consequences.

Responding to a reporter’s question on whether the JUI-F chief had been taken into confidence regarding the Prime Minister’s proposed visit, Achakzai said it would be a positive development if the Prime Minister wanted to meet him.

“There is nothing wrong with that. We will meet. We have to lead this country. We will have to be courageous and accept our mistakes. We have no permanent enmity with anyone. This country belongs to all of us collectively,” he said.