Fazal announces boycott of by-polls, schedule for countrywide rallies

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUIF) president Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced boycotting the by-elections to be held on April 21, Dunya News reported on Tuesday.

In a video message, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the JUIF had rejected the results of the February 8 polls and would henceforth boycott the by-elections.

“We shall fight to construct a genuine Islamic welfare and democratic state. Workers seek Allah’s help and begin working immediately,” remarked the JUIF chief.

He claimed that people’s right to vote was violated in the 2018 elections, and that it will be eliminated in the 2024 elections.

“We reject the February 8 poll results. We need to go to folks. “We will take them into confidence and unite them for the right to vote,” he stated.

“By fostering unity among the people, we will allow them to protect their vote. Our position is clear, and we have resolved to pursue our rights.

“We will hold rallies and a mammoth public rally will be held in Pishin on April 25 in which people from all over Balochistan will participate,” Maulana was quoted as saying.

A rally will take place in Karachi on May 2. People from all around Sindh would attend the rally. On May 9, a rally would be organized in Peshawar, with people from KP participating, he said, adding that his party will contact other political parties to form a coalition for people’s rights.