Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), issued a stark warning following the announcement of a coalition government between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), asserting that both parties would blackmail each other while being manipulated by “hidden forces” behind the scenes. Speaking at a meeting regarding his party’s protest against alleged rigging in the recent general elections, Fazl lamented the erosion of democratic principles.
“After the 2018 election, we hoped for fairness and transparency in 2024, but once again our aspirations and constitutional supremacy have been undermined,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, The JUI-F will not participate in the government, neither at the federal level nor in Balochistan, announced Maulana Abdul Wasay, the party’s Balochistan president, on Thursday.
“The JUI-F is not going to form a government in the province. The party has decided not to become part of any government,” stated Wasay.
In the February 8 general elections, JUI-F secured 10 seats in the provincial assembly of Balochistan. However, despite being part of the last coalition government, the party managed to secure only 4 seats in the National Assembly, much to the dismay of JUI-F chief, Fazlur Rehman.
On Wednesday, Fazl threw a political curveball by rejecting the “rigged” election results while extending an invitation to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to join him on the opposition benches instead of pursuing government ambitions.
The JUI-F refused to accept the electoral outcome lying down. He announced the party would kickstart nationwide protests against alleged electoral manipulation by “anti-Islamic forces.”
During a press conference, Fazl expressed reservations about the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) role, alleging it had been “dubious from day one.”
“Our central committee has rejected the election results and expressed reservations about the role of the ECP, but JUI-F will play its role in the parliament and will attend it with reservations,” he stated.
