Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addresses a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, flanked by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI’s Asad Qaiser. SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Despite the devastating suicide attack that shook the federal capital on Friday, the opposition alliance has decided to go ahead with its protests planned for February 8, in commemoration of the second anniversary of the 2024 general elections, which it continues to reject as rigged.
The decision was taken following a meeting in Islamabad between Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai and JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, where the two leaders coordinated their protest strategy and explored the possibility of holding a joint rally on the day.
Both PTI-backed Tehreek Tahafuz Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) and JUI-F have rejected the February 8 elections as “rigged”, alleging manipulation through controversial Form 47 results.
The meeting followed earlier protest announcements by the opposition alliance.
In December, TTAP held a two-day conference and declared February 8 a “black day”, announcing a nationwide shutdown and gridlock strike.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman later echoed a similar call in January, which was welcomed by TTAP leaders.
After their meeting, Achakzai and Fazlur Rehman held a joint press conference.
On the occasion, Achakzai said that there was consensus among opposition parties that the public mandate had been stolen by force on February 8 and that the people were subjected to coercion.
He said several “black laws” including the PECA Act had been implemented while the powers of the judiciary had been curtailed.
Achakzai added that while JUI-F was considering holding public demonstrations, the opposition was also deliberating on a strike to jam the wheels.
Strongly condemning terrorism, the opposition leader said all parties unequivocally denounce such acts.
He also termed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to cancel the Basant celebrations in Lahore as appropriate in view of the prevailing security situation.
Addressing the media, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced his full support for the TTAP protest call, saying JUI-F would align its program with the alliance’s plans.
He reiterated that the February 8 elections were imposed on the people and demanded new, free and fair general elections, in accordance with the public mandate.
He also maintained that the opposition’s stance against the alleged fraud has not changed since the formation of the current assemblies.
Maulana added that whenever new elections are demanded after fraud, it is said that the circumstances are not appropriate. He questioned who will decide the appropriateness of the circumstances.
This political outreach is unfolding against the backdrop of a mass suicide attack in Islamabad that same day, when a bomber attacked an imambargah on the outskirts of the capital, killing more than 31 people and injuring more than 169, sharply raising security concerns as opposition parties prepare for street mobilization.
In the wake of the attack, several government-organized events were canceled as a sign of mourning.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced cancellation of all Basant-related activities in Lahore.
