Fazl links stability to fair elections

Says JUI-F is against banning any political party

RAHIM YAR KHAN:

Political stability is what JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also believes is key to economic progress. However, unlike PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who wants to have it through dialogue, and if necessary, even through use of force, Fazl suggests new, fair elections as the solution.

During a visit to this part of Southern Punjab on Sunday, Fazl talked about a number of issues including the recent political turmoil, the 26th Constitutional Amendment and registration of religious schools.

A day earlier, the PPP chief in his speech at his party's 57th foundation day had targeted the PTI, which recently marched on Islamabad to pressure the government into releasing former prime minister Imran Khan. Bilawal had held the opposition party responsible for political instability.

While agreeing with the premise that political stability is vital for ending woes of people, the JUI-F chief noted that "Pakistan could not achieve political stability without holding free and fair elections".

Fazl, whose party was a part of the last coalition government formed after the ouster of the PTI government in April 2022, became disgruntled with his former allies after the February 8 general elections of 2024, which he declared highly rigged and unfair.

The JUI-F in the meanwhile also came closer to the PTI, once regarded as its bitter foe.

Reiterating his view, Fazl said based on its performance, the current government has no justification to remain in power even for a single day. "Therefore, new impartial and fair elections should be held immediately so that true representatives of the people can be entrusted with serving their interests."

Talking with reference to the alleged plans with regard to imposition of a ban on the PTI, Fazl said he does not support banning any political group as such proscription is against the principles of democracy.

He said the way the rulers had various acts passed by parliament after the 26th Constitutional Amendment did not have his support, nor was he taken into confidence regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

"Whenever the JUI-F gets the opportunity, it will implement an Islamic system in the country, ensuring justice prevails," he claimed, adding that President Asif Ali Zardari, despite parliamentary approval, has yet to sign the bill concerning religious seminaries, creating unrest among millions of seminary students.

He warned that later, so-called "intellectuals" might claim that a certain percentage of seminaries operate without registration or bank accounts, even though the bill mandates both.

Fazl said Pakistani industrialists and farmers are currently facing an economic crisis. He urged federal and provincial governments to take significant measures to improve these sectors so that the country can achieve economic stability.