ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rahman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF), has announced plans to initiate a nationwide protest movement against the outcomes of the general elections. The inaugural gathering for this initiative is scheduled to take place in Pishin, Balochistan, on April 25.
In a video statement released on Wednesday, Maulana Fazlur Rahman also declared a boycott of by-elections throughout the country, stating that the JUIF will abstain from fielding candidates for any by-poll seat.
Emphasizing the party’s rejection of the February 8 general election results, Maulana Fazlur Rahman remarked that the recurrence of the 2018 scenario, where the public mandate was allegedly usurped, has transpired in 2024. He asserted that the JUIF, in its general council meetings at both provincial and central levels, had consistently rebuffed the election outcomes, viewing the current parliament as a representative of the establishment rather than the people.
He articulated the party’s intention to engage with the populace and garner their support, stressing the necessity for unity among the people to safeguard the integrity of their votes. The JUIF chief affirmed the commencement of their movement from Balochistan on April 25 and referred to the planned protest gatherings as ‘Awami assemblies.’
Furthermore, he disclosed arrangements for a significant gathering in Pishin city on April 25, followed by another ‘people’s assembly’ in Karachi on May 9, drawing participants from across Sindh. Likewise, a ‘people’s assembly’ is slated for May 9 in Peshawar, involving the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with details for a gathering in Lahore to be determined during the Peshawar assembly.
Maulana Fazlur Rahman criticized the Election Commission’s perceived helplessness and alleged undue interference from certain ‘institutions’ in electoral processes, undermining the commission’s authority. He accused these ‘institutions’ of encroaching on the constitutional prerogatives of civil bureaucracy and cited instances where high court judges have voiced concerns over such interference.
Asserting solidarity with other political parties to foster unity among the people, Maulana Fazlur Rahman urged party leadership at provincial and local levels to make comprehensive arrangements for the protest gatherings.
On a televised program, Maulana Fazlur Rahman expressed skepticism regarding the durability of the current government due to its perceived weakness. He questioned the architects behind such fragile governments and underscored the importance of addressing this issue.
Regarding a potential alliance with the PTI, Maulana Fazlur Rahman stated that no contact had been established in this regard.
He reiterated the party’s rejection of a government formed through alleged electoral fraud and affirmed their constitutional right to protest, irrespective of the outcome’s impact on the government. He emphasized the party’s commitment to fighting for electoral integrity and the people’s rights, regardless of the government’s fate.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
