JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called for the current government’s resignation on Wednesday, demanding fresh general elections free from the establishment’s influence.
At a press conference, Fazlur Rehman highlighted his party’s readiness to support negotiations if such an environment were created. He criticized the prevailing reliance on the establishment’s approval for political decisions, advocating for an electoral process devoid of its interference.
Fazlur Rehman labelled the current government as “weak,” citing the absence of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) from the cabinet and noting his party’s ongoing movement against the regime. He expressed his concerns about the nation’s economic predicament, pointing out that Pakistan’s budgetary control lies with international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The JUI-F leader dismissed the government’s legitimacy, describing it as a collection of undemocratically empowered individuals. He criticized the integrity of the recent general elections, alleging corruption through bribes, the sale of assembly positions, and a pervasively corrupt system.
Additionally, Fazlur Rehman criticized the political culture that prioritizes power over substantive politics. He expressed confidence in receiving public support, ambitiously stating his potential to become the President, Prime Minister, or Chief Minister.
Questioning the country’s direction, he remarked on the contradiction of expecting a nation trained for conflict to achieve progressive leadership. In his initial National Assembly address, he challenged the legitimacy of the current parliament, accusing it of betraying democratic principles by selling out democracy.
Fazlur Rehman lamented the state of representation in Pakistan, questioning the authenticity of a parliament formed under such conditions. He condemned the practice of governments being formed in secretive negotiations rather than through democratic processes, alleging bureaucratic manipulation in deciding leadership roles.
