Opposition parties demand immediate fresh elections

ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) have jointly demanded fresh elections, here on Tuesday.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressed the media after a dinner hosted by former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser (PTI) at his residence in Islamabad. He said that the opposition alliance met to discuss the current political situation and unanimously concluded that the February 8 elections were rigged and did not reflect the true mandate of the people.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman slammed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for failing to conduct transparent elections. He demanded the current government to resign immediately and announce fresh elections. He also pointed out that the constitutional term of the Chief Election Commissioner has expired and consultations are necessary for a new appointment. He further suggested that if the ECP truly considers itself independent and sovereign, it should resign.

He added that those deprived of public mandate have no right to cling to power and consultations will continue to achieve their objectives.

Speaking on behalf of PTI, Asad Qaiser expressed the alliance’s concern over the current situation and its determination to uphold the constitution and rule of law.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi echoed these sentiments, saying that the current government is imposed on the people and fresh elections are the only solution to deal with the country’s security and economic crisis. He added that the opposition discussed political, economic and security issues, with all parties agreeing that the current government does not represent the will of the people. The opposition also demanded the release of political prisoners and repeal of oppressive laws like the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). He confirmed that consultations will continue.

Before the press conference, a meeting of opposition parties was held at Asad Qaiser’s residence in which the formation of a grand alliance was discussed. The dinner was attended by prominent opposition leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The discussion that followed focused on the political situation of the country and future strategy. The meeting was attended by a large number of opposition leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Asad Qaiser, Allama Nasir Abbas and other PTI leaders.