Fazl calls for holding 'credible' elections

Says global inflation has risen since Iran–US war began

LODHRAN:

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has demanded free, fair and credible elections in the country, saying the current government does not enjoy public confidence.

Speaking to the media in Lodhran on Friday, Fazl said his party calls for elections that truly represent the will of the people and are accepted by the masses.

"We demand a legitimate elections—one that genuinely reflects public representation and satisfies the people. The present government is not regarded by the people as their representative," he said.

Commenting on local government (LG) polls, the JUI-F chief said holding LG elections is a constitutional and legal requirement.

Addressing the issue of inflation, he described it as a "storm" affecting not just Pakistan but the entire world. He said global tensions had created an atmosphere of anxiety across humanity, leading to widespread uncertainty.

"This is not limited to Pakistan; there is restlessness across the world," he observed.

The JUI-F chief was critical of United States policies, alleging that Washington creates miseries.

"The US first portrays itself as a victim and then targets nations striving for development by declaring them a threat," he said, adding that countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya had faced similar actions, while Iran was now being targeted.

On rising prices, he said the JUI-F takes the issue seriously and had earlier announced nationwide protests against inflation.

"We have postponed the protest call due to prevailing conditions, not cancelled it," he clarified, adding that the party would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people and fight for their rights.

Fazl emphasised the need for the rule of law and constitutional supremacy in the country. He said domination by any single institution could neither resolve public issues nor ensure justice.

"We do not agree with a system where one institution holds authority over the entire country," he said.

He reiterated the importance of parliamentary supremacy and civilian supremacy, urging that the nation and the people must be strengthened in line with constitutional principles.

"The JUI-F will never abandon the people," he added.

Highlighting provincial autonomy, the JUI-F chief said the 18th amendment had granted significant powers to provinces. He criticised attempts to revisit the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, calling it a constitutionally protected arrangement that cannot be altered arbitrarily.

"If it is the provinces' right and cannot be changed, then the only way would be to divide provinces into smaller units and introduce a new NFC award," he remarked.

On law and order, he said it is primarily a provincial subject and the responsibility lies with provincial governments. He cautioned that creating a federal-level institution for law and order could disturb the constitutional balance.

He noted that constitutional provisions already allow provinces to seek assistance from federal forces such as Rangers or the military when needed. "When such mechanisms exist, establishing a federal authority on law and order may go against the spirit of provincial autonomy," he said.