Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced on Wednesday that his party has opted to boycott the upcoming by-elections and will stage protests across various cities starting from April 25.
In a video message, the JUI-F stated, “We refuse to acknowledge the outcomes of the February 8 elections and deem them invalid, as this parliament seems to represent the establishment more than the people.”
Several prominent political parties, including JUI-F, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), have denounced the February 8 elections, alleging widespread rigging in favor of the current government.
Fazl emphasized the need to rally the nation to defend their right to vote and safeguard their electoral choices. He mentioned ongoing efforts to engage with other political entities to garner support for their cause.
Initiating a movement named “Awami Assembly,” Fazl outlined plans to commence protests starting from Pishin, Balochistan, on April 25, followed by similar events in Karachi on May 2 and Peshawar on May 9. Subsequently, the party will finalize a date for Lahore.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) perceived lack of authority and interference in civil bureaucratic affairs, Fazl highlighted concerns raised by high courts regarding external pressures and threats.
Additionally, he declared the JUI-F’s decision to boycott the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for April 21, citing mistrust in the fairness of the electoral process based on previous election results.
