Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F), launched a scathing attack on the recently concluded 2024 elections in Pakistan, accusing them of exceeding the previous record of rigging witnessed during the 2018 polls.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Fazl asserted that international pressure compelled Pakistan’s military establishment to intervene, thereby influencing the election results. He claimed that this interference led to a division within the establishment itself, with some factions being favored over others.
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Expressing disappointment over the erosion of the Parliament’s significance, Fazl lamented the mockery of democracy witnessed within its chambers. He argued that the current Parliament fails to represent the will of the people and is instead dominated by individuals who may control institutions but lack the genuine support of the nation.
Despite his initial inclination to support Mahmood Achakzai, the candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Fazl indicated that his party’s principles compelled them to take a different stance. He ruled out the possibility of forming alliances with other parties, citing an unfavorable environment for a grand alliance, and vowed to remain on the opposition benches.
Fazl pledged to mobilize provincial councils and workers in Karachi to devise a nationwide strategy for change, emphasizing the need to address electoral malpractice and hold those responsible for fraud accountable. He questioned the legitimacy of the 2024 elections compared to those in 2018, highlighting inconsistencies in the election process and alleging that the PTI received a similar mandate in both instances despite widespread fraud allegations.
The JUI-F chief’s remarks reflect broader concerns within the opposition regarding the transparency and fairness of Pakistan’s electoral system, with allegations of rigging and undue influence casting doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process.
