'JUI-F not to become part of any govt'

Maulana Abdul Wasay confirms party won't form government in Balochistan

QUETTA:

The JUI-F will not participate in the government, neither at the federal level nor in Balochistan, announced Maulana Abdul Wasay, the party’s Balochistan president, on Thursday.

“The JUI-F is not going to form a government in the province. The party has decided not to become part of any government,” stated Wasay.

In the February 8 general elections, JUI-F secured 10 seats in the provincial assembly of Balochistan. However, despite being part of the last coalition government, the party managed to secure only 4 seats in the National Assembly, much to the dismay of JUI-F chief, Fazlur Rehman.

On Wednesday, Fazl threw a political curveball by rejecting the "rigged" election results while extending an invitation to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to join him on the opposition benches instead of pursuing government ambitions.

The JUI-F refused to accept the electoral outcome lying down. He announced the party would kickstart nationwide protests against alleged electoral manipulation by "anti-Islamic forces."

During a press conference, Fazl expressed reservations about the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) role, alleging it had been “dubious from day one.”

"Our central committee has rejected the election results and expressed reservations about the role of the ECP, but JUI-F will play its role in the parliament and will attend it with reservations,” he stated.

He accused the election process of being manipulated at the behest of “anti-Islamic forces” and emphasized the party's commitment to maintaining strong relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He noted that their efforts in this regard were not accepted by the United States and Israel.

On Thursday, the JUI-F chief claimed that he was against the idea of removing the PTI government from power through a vote of no confidence. However, he felt compelled to align with other political parties as he was leading the multi-party alliance, the PDM. Later that day, he also met with a PTI delegation.