Fazlur Rehman blames establishment for political crisis. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), raised concerns over the integrity of Pakistan’s electoral process during a press conference held in Peshawar.
Alleging interference by the “establishment,” Rehman asserted that the system was being manipulated to install a government of its choice, leading to what he described as rigged elections.
According to Rehman, his party had received prior information suggesting efforts to reduce JUI-F’s representation in the assemblies.
The JUI-F leader criticized what he perceived as undue interference in the electoral process, claiming that the establishment sought to influence the composition of elected bodies.
Rehman highlighted instances of alleged rigging in both the 2018 and 2024 general elections, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the democratic process.
Despite these allegations, Rehman affirmed his party’s commitment to the parliamentary system and dismissed the notion of an imminent collapse.
He cautioned against involving foreign institutions in Pakistan’s internal affairs, referencing reports of a letter purportedly sent by PTI founder Imran Khan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding election auditing.
Furthermore, Rehman emphasized that if PTI emerged as the victor in the recent polls, they should be given the opportunity to form the government.
He underscored the importance of dialogue in addressing political grievances and expressed readiness to engage with serious parties to resolve concerns.
Regarding recent political developments, Rehman criticized the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan but clarified that he did not derive satisfaction from any politician’s detention.
He announced JUI-F’s decision to abstain from participating in upcoming presidential elections, as well as contests for the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and opposition leader positions.
Despite securing a few seats in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the February 8 polls, Rehman reiterated JUI-F’s stance of not joining any government at the federal or provincial level.
As Fazlur Rehman blames establishment for political crisis, he also stated that while they do not consider governorship a significant political portfolio, his party has not considered accepting such positions thus far.
