Fazl denounces electoral fraud and atrocities in Gaza at Rawalpindi youth convention

RAWALPINDI:

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

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

Addressing the youth, Fazl urged them to play an active role in Pakistan’s democratic struggle. “Today’s meeting is important because young people are joining JUI-F,” he said. “I welcome you and pray that your 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 running on a fraudulent mandate. JUI-F could never be part of such a government, that is why we are in the opposition.”

He stressed that the party’s fight is based on principles and is not motivated by the desire for power. “Power is not our ultimate goal. Today’s governments are formed by forcing parties to unite; such administrations are a mockery of democracy and politics.”

Fazl also heavily criticized the Election Commission, alleging serious manipulation of the 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 electoral district. The results were brought from outside. The Electoral Commission has failed,” he stated.

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He reaffirmed the JUI-F’s stance against what he called “rigged elections”, noting that the party speaks based on facts and follows 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 on the Gaza peace board. “How can one sit in a meeting with the murderer of Muslims? This is shameful. If the United Nations can boycott Netanyahu, why are we legitimizing his role?” he questioned.

He expressed outrage at the current situation in Gaza. “The world has seen the suffering of the Palestinians. In the last 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 are now homeless. These atrocities, backed by the United States, demand global responsibility,” he said.

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Fazl also criticized the government’s foreign policy and questioned whether the CPEC mega projects have progressed during the current administration. “The economy is worsening, regional neighbors are ahead of us and national security is at risk,” he said.

Regarding internal governance, he highlighted the failures in the legislation and the implementation of the reforms promised in the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments. “The government is focused on consolidating its authority instead of serving the nation,” he remarked.

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