JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman appears for an interview with a private digital media platform. SCREEN GRAB
RAWALPINDI:
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticized the incumbent government, its electoral process, foreign and economic policies and the ongoing atrocities in Gaza during a youth rally in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
He declared the February 8 elections “fraudulent” and claimed that the current government is operating on a “fake mandate” which the JUI-F does not recognise.
Addressing the youth, Fazl urged them to play an active role in Pakistan’s democratic struggle. “Today’s gathering is important because young people are joining JUI-F,” he said. “I welcome them and pray that their efforts take the movement for freedom to its rightful destination, making Pakistan a stronghold of Islam and a hub for peace.”
On February 8, two years ago, on the same day, the central elections were held in the country, the results of which were rejected and declared fake. अज जो गुवेवर यूवर्य हैन फाली मिंदेट पर गुवेवर हैन, जामियाट ع आसी गेवर्व का खाक्ष नहीं थी आसी लैख में हैर, ای جمعیت علماء… pic.twitter.com/I3yh4X886D
— Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) February 8, 2026
Referring to the February 8 elections held two years ago, he said, “The results were rejected and declared fake. The government in power today is functioning on a fraudulent mandate. JUI-F could never be part of such governance, which is why we are in the opposition.”
He emphasized that the party’s struggle is principled and not motivated by a desire for power. “Power is not our ultimate goal. Governments today are formed by forcing parties together – such administrations are a mockery of democracy and politics.”
Fazl also sharply criticized the Election Commission, alleging serious manipulation of the election results.
“Our fight is not against the constitution or the institutions, but the mandate given by the people must be respected. Everyone knows how this mandate was manipulated. I challenge the electoral commission: it did not even know the results of a single constituency. The results were brought from outside. The electoral commission has failed,” he said.
Also read: TTAP strike paralyzes Balochistan over alleged February 8 poll
He reaffirmed JUI-F’s stand against what he called “real elections”, noting that the party speaks based on facts and pursues a path based on moderation and reason to guide the nation.
On foreign policy, Fazl condemned the government for sitting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Gaza Peace Council. “How can you sit on a board with the murderer of Muslims? It’s shameful. If the UN can boycott Netanyahu, why are we legitimizing his role?” he asked.
He expressed outrage at the ongoing situation in Gaza. “The world has seen the suffering of the Palestinians. Over the past three years, entire cities have been destroyed, more than 70,000 Muslims have been martyred and over 100,000 people have lost their lives. More than 150,000 are now homeless. These atrocities, backed by the United States, demand global accountability,” he said.
Read more: Business as usual in Islamabad despite PTI strike call
Fazl also criticized the government’s foreign policy and questioned whether mega projects under CPEC have progressed under the current administration. “The economy is deteriorating, regional neighbors are ahead of us and national security is at risk,” he said.
In terms of domestic governance, he highlighted failures in legislation and the implementation of the reforms promised under the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments. “The government is focusing on consolidating its authority rather than serving the nation,” he noted.
Concluding his address, the JUI-F chief urged the youth to continue striving for justice and accountability, stressing that the party’s struggle is based on principles, not political opportunism.
