The chief of Jamiat Ulema-E-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has renewed his call to new elections in Pakistan, describing the general elections of February 8, 2024 as “manipulated”.
His comments occurred after attending a dinner organized by Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former speaker of the National Asad Qaiser Assembly on Tuesday. The dinner brought together leaders from several opposition matches, including the leader of the Awaam Pakistan party, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Rehman reiterated his demand from the Government of the Pakistan-Nawaz Muslim League (PML-N) to resign and announce new elections.
He also raised concerns about the expired mandate of the Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, whose five -year mandate ended on January 26.
While the Government approved the 26th Constitutional amendment to extend the mandate of slit until a new CEC is designated, it emphasized that the consultation was necessary on this matter.
Rehman emphasized that the current government no longer represented the people of Pakistan. His comments were aligned with the feelings expressed by Abbasi, who stressed the need for joint efforts to protect constitutional rights.
Abbasi also confirmed that opposition parties had reached a consensus during the meeting to demand new elections and the release of political prisoners.
The leaders asked for an end of what they called “fascism” in the country, and emphasized the importance of a government that really reflects the will of the people.
Early in the day, Abbasi had met with Rehman in his residence to discuss the ongoing political developments in the country.
It is likely that the unified position of the opposition against the current government and its demand for new elections add pressure on the ruling authorities as a February survey approach.
