ISLAMABAD: A day after his coalition comrades rallied behind PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif for the country’s top executive post, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday threw a political curveball, rejecting the “rigged” election results while extending an invitation to PML-N’s top Nawaz Sharif to join him on the opposition benches instead of chasing government dreams.
JUI-F, nursing the wounds of its bruising defeat in the recent elections, refused to take the election result lying down and announced the launch of nationwide protests against alleged electoral manipulation by “anti-Islamic forces”.
Conspicuously absent from Tuesday’s press conference that breathed new life into the PDM to once again endorse Shehbaz as prime minister, Fazl spoke on Wednesday and called on Nawaz Sharif to join him on the opposition benches instead of forming the government.
He also expressed reservations about the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which he claimed was “dubious from day one”.
“Our central committee met today and rejected the election results and expressed reservations about the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan, but the JUI-F will play its role in the parliament and participate in it with reservations,” he said while addressing a press conference.
He accused the electoral process of being manipulated at the behest of “anti-Islamic forces”.
He emphasized the party’s commitment to maintaining strong relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, noting that their efforts in this regard were not accepted by the United States and Israel.
“JUI-F is an ideological force that does not compromise on national issues. We will lead the movement for our higher goals,” Fazl said, adding, “ECP’s role is suspect from day one.”
He went on to claim that the election results indicated widespread bribery and alleged that candidates and party workers faced threats and intimidation.
Maulana Fazl accused the police of being held hostage in several villages, creating a tense environment for the elections.
“If the establishment thinks the election was transparent, then their narrative of the May 9 tragedy is over,” he said, questioning the credibility of the election process. He invited Nawaz Sharif and urged him to join the opposition in their protest against the alleged irregularities.
