The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Jamaat-e-Islami, and JUI-F have jointly demanded fresh elections, alleged electoral fraud and insisted on the restoration of the stolen public mandate. In the event of non-compliance, they have warned of an escalation in protest activities. The call for new elections was made during a large-scale protest gathering outside the Karachi Press Club on the occasion of a “Black Day.” A substantial number of activists, including women, men, and elders holding party flags, were in attendance from all three parties.
The protesters voiced demands for the retrieval of the allegedly stolen public mandate, emphasizing that the voting on February 8, 2024, was marred by ballot stuffing and fraudulent practices. Chants denouncing bogus and fraudulent elections echoed throughout the demonstration. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Safdar Ali Abbasi, General Secretary of the GDA, expressed grave concerns over the country’s precarious situation due to the upcoming elections. He asserted that peaceful protests would continue until the perpetrators of electoral fraud are held accountable.
Dr. Abbasi disclosed the formation of a committee comprising ten members from various opposition parties tasked with devising a plan of action for future endeavors. Sardar Abdul Rahim, the Information Secretary of the JUI-F, assured protesters of the continuation of their protest in a concerted manner. He invoked the sacrifices of national figures like Pir Pagara, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice. Maulana Rashid Ahmed, representing JUI-F, Khizr Hayat Mangrio from the GDA, Arshad Shar Baloch, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, Khawaja Naveed from SYP, and Yaser Yazdani from Jamaat-e-Islami Youth also addressed the gathering, reiterating the demand for fair elections and condemning electoral malpractices.
