KARACHI: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called for fresh general elections across the country, declaring the 2018 and 2024 polls “tainted” and alleging they failed to reflect the will of the people.
Speaking at the Governor’s House, where he was conferred an honorary doctorate by Sir Syed University, Maulana Fazl said governments formed after the last two elections lacked legitimacy and should be dissolved. He made the remarks amid ongoing discussions among political parties from both the ruling coalition and the opposition on possible dialogue to ease political tensions.
Standing alongside Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), a key ally of the federal government, the JUI-F chief questioned the credibility of the current political setup. Without naming specific parties, he cast doubt on both the present government and past administrations, stating that the elections were conducted with establishment backing.
“Neither the 2018 elections nor the 2024 polls reflected the will of the people,” he said, adding that fresh elections should be held nationwide, from Sindh to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Maulana Fazl reiterated that his party had rejected the results of the Feb 8 elections shortly after they were announced and had consistently demanded new polls in recent years. He also referred to his party’s role in political engagement with both the government and opposition, as well as its involvement in the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
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Addressing constitutional matters, the JUI-F chief warned that recent actions by the government were turning the Constitution into a controversial document. Referring to the 27th Constitutional Amendment, he described it as legislation passed through a “forced majority” and said it lacked consensus. In contrast, he defended the 26th Amendment, stating that it was adopted through agreement among political stakeholders and should not be questioned.
On foreign policy, Maulana Fazl called for introspection over Pakistan’s long-standing approach towards Afghanistan, suggesting that Islamabad should examine whether its policies over the past several decades had contributed to ongoing tensions. He urged both countries to avoid involving civilians in the consequences of state actions.
Maulana Fazl described the 27th Amendment as legislation passed through a “forced majority”.https://t.co/c8dErlzsvb
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 23, 2025
He also expressed concern over reports of a proposed international force in Gaza, cautioning the government against participation. Referring to past experiences, he said such deployments risked drawing Pakistan into controversial conflicts.
Later, while addressing a conference of clerics, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticised attempts to require religious seminaries to obtain certification from the government. He warned that such measures could jeopardise the education of thousands of students and called for the autonomy of religious institutions, while reiterating support for the inclusion of modern subjects alongside religious education.
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