Islamabad: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri has stated that the opposition will gain strength with Maulana Fazlur Rehman's inclusion in the alliance. He further claimed that the parties are gradually moving towards forming a grand alliance.
In a statement released on social media platform Facebook, Ghauri said that certain quarters are disturbed by JUI-F’s inclusion in the opposition alliance and are spreading baseless news in response. He asserted that even without holding a formal leadership position, Maulana Fazlur Rehman is playing a key role in the opposition alliance, adding that his leadership does not depend on any official designation.
Ghauri emphasized that Fazlur Rehman’s participation will further consolidate the opposition, and the parties are steadily progressing towards a grand political coalition. He also accused opponents of launching a character assassination campaign against the JUI-F chief following his speech in parliament. According to Ghauri, such statements are, in fact, bringing the opposition parties closer together rather than dividing them.
He also commented on certain political figures, stating, "The nation is well aware of where the seasonal opportunists are being mobilized from."
It is noteworthy that on February 4, Maulana Fazlur Rehman had demanded fresh elections, declaring the February 8 general elections as rigged. He asserted that the government should step down and announce new elections.
Speaking to the media after attending a dinner hosted at Asad Qaiser’s residence for opposition leaders, Fazlur Rehman stated that representatives of various opposition parties had gathered to discuss the country’s political situation. He claimed that all parties reaffirmed their stance that the February 8 elections were rigged and did not reflect the people's mandate.
The JUI-F chief further accused the establishment of manipulating the election results to form governments of its choice. "These individuals have no right to remain in power any longer. They must immediately resign and announce fresh elections," he said.
Later, on February 17, addressing the parliament, Fazlur Rehman criticized the country’s decision-making process, stating that policies concerning national security were not being formulated within parliamentary institutions or government circles but in secret closed-door meetings beyond the jurisdiction of governance, politics, and parliament.
He further stated that the entire nation was facing turmoil and distress, with ordinary citizens struggling for employment and security. "Government institutions are being dismantled, and departments are being destroyed," he remarked.
