Fazl says JUI-F wants ‘immediate polls’

JUI-F chief proposes electoral reforms to address concerns of rigging

Picture source - Getty Images

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced that he conveyed to the new coalition setup his wish for “immediate” elections, just days after an alliance of the then opposition parties removed former prime minister Imran Khan from power via a no-confidence motion.

Addressing his party workers in Islamabad, Fazl said that the new government would be operational for a maximum of one year. “In this new setup, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam has its own identity and we are telling them (coalition partners) that we still want elections immediately,” he added.

In an apparent reference to Khan, Fazl continued, “Even though he is gone and we sent him packing, it is still our responsibility to return to the people the amanat that we struggled for.”

The JUI-F chief proposed electoral reforms as a solution to any doubts regarding the electoral system and possibilities of rigging.

Fazl’s remarks come as reports circulated that newly elected PM Shehbaz would be announcing his cabinet soon.

Yesterday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb told local media that “members of the federal cabinet will be taking oath tomorrow (Monday)”. She added all allied parties were being accommodated in the cabinet, including the JUI-F and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan.