JUI-F announces it will sit on opposition benches

Fazl says nationwide movement will be launched to bring about change

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, announcing the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)'s intention to organize a nationwide movement against alleged vote rigging, stated on Sunday that they would take a firm stance by occupying the opposition benches in the National Assembly and abstaining from voting in parliamentary proceedings.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Fazlur Rehman acknowledged the current lack of conducive conditions for a grand alliance. "While we haven't proposed a grand alliance yet, we are devising a comprehensive plan to drive the movement forward across the country," he informed reporters.

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Casting doubt on the legitimacy of the present parliament, Fazlur Rehman remarked, "This assembly does not truly represent the will of the people. It is a result of electoral manipulation, where some may claim authority, yet they will govern over bodies, not the hearts of the people," emphasized the JUI-F leader.

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“Parliament is losing its importance, and democracy is losing its case. We have rejected the results of the elections. Our Majlis-e-Amila [executive committee] decided that we will go to parliament but with reservations,” he continued. The position we have taken is supported by the evidence.”

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According to Fazl, the elections in 2018 and 2024 were both rigged as they produced the same results for the PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz], the PPP [Pakistan Peoples Party], and the PTI [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf]. “So when the 2018 elections were rigged, why not the 2024 elections,” he asked.

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“We will prepare a strategy to run a movement in the whole country. We will carry out a public campaign with full force, which will lead to change,” he said. Responding to a question, he added that the JUI-F had not proposed a grand alliance.

Fazl defended contacts with other parties. “We have no personal quarrel with anyone, we respect those who come to us. Meetings with political leaders help understand the situation,” he said. He reiterated that his party would sit with other parties on the opposition benches.

Responding to a question about the presidential elections, the JUI-F chief stated that he wanted to vote for the opposition’s candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai against the ruling coalition’s Asif Zardari, but added that he was bound by the party’s decision.

Fazl also criticised the establishment role in the election process. He added that sometimes the establishment came under international pressure. “If I meet the leadership of Hamas, the international powers will be angry,” he said.