Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman on Friday announced his party’s support for the February 8 protest organised by the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP). The opposition leaders insisted that the general election of 2024 was rigged.
Speaking at a joint press conference with TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of JUI-F said his party would fully back the wheel-jam and shutter-down strike planned by TTAP.
Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman’s Statement
“We support their February 8 wheel-jam and shutter-down appeal. Any rallies or processions planned by our party will be adjusted to avoid affecting this strike,” Maulana Fazl said. He added that JUI-F programmes would align with TTAP’s protest schedule.
Maulana Fazl criticised the establishment, saying its approach had not changed since the elections and continued in subsequent by-elections. He reaffirmed his party’s rejection of the February 8, 2024, elections and called for fresh polls.
Fazal-ur-Rehman expressed sorrow for the victims of the recent bomb attack at a mosque in Tarlai, and urged authorities to find the lapses in maintaining security. He highlighted the long-standing hardships faced by citizens, stressing the need for a stronger and more responsive state.
Achakzai’s remarks
TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai also condemned the Islamabad attack, saying all forms of terrorism were unacceptable. He said terrorism affects the world as a whole and warned against linking it with Islam or humanity.
Achakzai criticised the manipulation of public opinion during the elections by saying, “At gunpoint, through the pressure of courts, money, and force, the opinion of 250 million people was changed everywhere.” He added further that those who protested against rigging were later subjected to violence and legal action.
Achakzai said the opposition had agreed to protest democratically and thanked Maulana Fazal for coordinating support for the February 8 wheel-jam. He called for a roundtable conference involving all institutions to chart a way forward for the country.
Call for unity
Both leaders emphasised the importance of civilian oversight over institutions and praised security forces for their sacrifices. Achakzai said meetings between political leaders, including a potential meeting with the prime minister, were necessary to ensure the country’s smooth functioning.
“This country belongs to all of us collectively. We must work together, accept mistakes, and show courage,” he said.
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