Fazlur Rehman takes U-turn; demands immediate elections

Islamabad: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has demanded immediate general elections, saying there unnecessary extension of power is not his position as there is a limit to expediency. 

According to GNN, the ruling coalition that came to the fore after the overthrow of the former Imran Khan government is reportedly splitting as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has now backtracked from its earlier stance.

Mr Fazlur Rehman tabled the demand while addressing an event in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) capital Peshawar. 

As per his recent statement, “The country needs immediate elections as the government is formed for a maximum of one year and it’s their responsibility to return the trust to the nation. 

“The government should take advantage of the present assembly and make temporary electoral reforms,” he stated, indicating a split in the opposition alliance.  

The JUI has its own existence in the present government, he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that political parties including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and JUI were initially opposing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) demand for immediate elections. 

In the meantime, the PML-N government has not announced its federal cabinet as the coalition parties have turned on bargaining mode for key ministries and federal positions.  

Reports quoting sources stated that PML-N and PPP have excused Fazlur Rehman from giving the presidency due to external pressure, however, they offered some key positions to JUI-F.