ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri has said that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s inclusion in the opposition alliance will strengthen the opposition, adding that efforts are gradually moving towards a grand alliance.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Ghauri claimed that certain quarters were disturbed by reports of JUI-F joining the opposition alliance, and were spreading baseless rumours in response.
He further said that even without holding any leadership position, Maulana Fazlur Rehman was playing a key role in the opposition alliance. “His leadership now does not depend on any official position.”
Ghauri alleged that after Maulana’s speech in parliament, a smear campaign had been launched against him. “Such statements are only bringing the opposition closer together,” he added.
He further said that “the nation is well aware of who is mobilising these political turncoats.”
On February 4, Maulana had demanded that the government step down and announce fresh elections, claiming that the February 8 general elections were rigged.
Following a dinner meeting hosted by opposition leader Asad Qaiser, Fazlur Rehman told the media that representatives of various opposition parties had gathered to consult on the country’s political situation. “All parties reaffirmed that the February 8 elections were rigged and do not reflect the people’s mandate,” he said.
The JUI-F chief went on to say that the establishment had manipulated the results to form governments of its choice. “Those imposed on the country have no right to continue ruling. They should immediately resign and announce new elections,” he asserted.
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Later, on February 17, while addressing parliament, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticised the government’s decision-making process, alleging that policies concerning national security were being formulated behind closed doors instead of in parliamentary forums.
“The issue is not just limited to this house; the entire country is in a state of distress. The common man has neither employment nor security of life and property. Institutions are being dismantled,” he said.
Maulana had been the president of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) launched by the then opposition parties to oust Imran Khan from government in April 2022.
He remained an active part of the coalition but later developed differences with the ruling PML-N as well as PPP.
In the recent past, he threatened the current government to hold nationwide protest if his suggestions were not incorporated in the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 .
The federal government later succumbed to the pressure he mounted and agreed to include his suggestions in the bill.