Fazl alleges deliberate attempts to divide JUI-F and PTI

Islamabad: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Thursday that there were efforts to create divisions between his party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

He said that the differences between the ruling coalition and the JUI-F leader arose after his party called the February 8, 2024 elections "rigged."

While speaking to journalists, Fazl said that attempts were made to divide the opposition and that political games were being played in the country. He repeated his claims of "fraudulent elections," saying the representatives of the "dummy government" could not face the people. “People do not trust governments without a public mandate,” he added.

The JUI-F chief also criticized the country’s electoral system. He said, "People have to stand in long queues just to vote, but it’s up to their will what results come out of the ballot boxes," referring to alleged manipulation of the elections. He emphasized that his party would not bow down to power.

Fazl expressed concern that politicians were being excluded from the political system and that the role of parliament was being weakened. He said, “Democracy is losing its case.”

In response to a question, Fazl voiced his support for journalists opposing the recent amendments to the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (PECA).