JUI-F open to coalition with PML-N, calls for voter list probe

Lahore: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced that his political party is open to forming a coalition government with the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N).

The JUI-F chief clarified that the JUI-F has not engaged in discussions with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) regarding seat adjustments and electoral alliances.

He expressed these views during his interaction with the reporters on Wednesday.

Expressing concern, he highlighted the daily loss of lives among common citizens and law enforcers in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and South Waziristan. He noted that the death toll from the recent Bajaur incident has risen to 80.

Despite the challenging law and order situation, Fazlur Rehman stated that JUI-F continues to demand the prompt organization of fair and free general elections. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into alleged flaws in vote registration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as raised by Asif Ali Zardari. Fazlur Rehman called for an inquiry into the purported registration of Afghan citizens as voters.

Acknowledging his lack of awareness regarding the voter list issues until Zardari's revelations, the JUI-F leader insisted on a comprehensive investigation into Afghan voters, even if it leads to a delay in the general elections.

Last month, PML-N and JUI-F had reached an agreement on seat adjustments in Punjab for the upcoming general elections. During a meeting between the consultative committees of both parties, they agreed on the framework for seat adjustments, with further discussions planned after finalizing the list of election candidates.