In Islamabad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has responded to the proposed election date put forward by the President. He asserted that Arif Alvi, as the President, exhibits bias by representing a particular political party.
Fazlur Rehman maintained that determining the election date is not within the President’s jurisdiction. Even if the President possesses such authority, its utilization is questionable due to his partisan affiliation. He emphasized that the Election Commission operates independently and is not obliged to heed any directives or suggestions from the President. The President has recommended seeking recourse through the judiciary, which is perceived as supporting Imran Khan and the PTI. This has resulted in a back-and-forth between the President and the judiciary.
He criticized President Arif Alvi for attempting to create division within the country’s political system, suggesting that this futile debate is an endeavor to interfere with electoral matters. Fazlur Rehman raised questions about the forces supporting the President and their motives for potentially destabilizing the country’s political landscape.
The JUI leader argued that such a approach is not conducive to Pakistan’s political climate, describing it as an effort to confuse institutions, but ultimately destined to fail. He also pointed out that the President’s tenure is limited, and he should remain within the confines of his role until the new President assumes office. Fazlur Rehman emphasized that the authority to determine election dates belongs solely to the Election Commission, and not to the judiciary, the President, or the Prime Minister.
Furthermore, Fazlur Rehman clarified that there is currently no formal alliance formed with any political party in Sindh. While discussions are ongoing with some parties in Sindh, there has been no contact with the People’s Party. He mentioned that Muhammad Mian Soomro attended a meeting recently, but there was no discussion about his potential affiliation with the JUI.