Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addresses a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, flanked by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI’s Asad Qaiser. SCREEN GRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Despite the devastating suicide bomb that rocked the federal capital on Friday, the opposition alliance has decided to go ahead with its planned protests on February 8, marking the second anniversary of the 2024 general election, which it continues to reject as fake.
The decision followed a meeting in Islamabad between Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mehmood Khan Achakzai and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, where the two leaders coordinated their protest strategy and explored the possibility of holding a joint demonstration on the day.
Both the PTI-backed Tehreek Tahafuz Aeen Pakistan (TTAP) and the JUI-F have dismissed the February 8 election as “rigged”, alleging manipulation through controversial Form-47 results.
The meeting came in the wake of earlier protest announcements from the opposition alliance.
In December, TTAP held a two-day conference and declared February 8 a “black day”, announcing a nationwide wheel stoppage and shutdown strike.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman later reiterated a similar call in January, which was welcomed by the TTAP leadership.
After their meeting, Achakzai and Fazlur Rehman addressed a joint press conference.
Speaking on this occasion, Achakzai said that there was a consensus among the opposition parties that the public mandate had been stolen on February 8 and the people were subjected to coercion.
He said several “black laws”, including the PECA law, had been enforced while the powers of the judiciary had been curtailed.
Achakzai added that while the JUI-F was considering holding public rallies, the opposition was also considering a wheel stoppage strike.
The opposition leader strongly condemned terrorism and said all parties unequivocally condemn such acts.
He also termed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to cancel the Basant celebrations in Lahore as appropriate in view of the prevailing security situation.
Addressing the media, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced full support for TTAP’s protest call and said JUI-F would adjust its program as per the alliance’s plans.
He reiterated that the February 8 election was mandated to the people and called for fresh, free and fair elections in line with the public mandate.
He also maintained that the opposition’s stand against alleged rigging has remained unchanged since the formation of the current assemblies.
The Maulana added that whenever there is a demand for fresh elections after rigging, it is said that the circumstances are not appropriate. He questioned who should decide the suitability of the circumstances.
This political stunt unfolds against the backdrop of a massive suicide attack in Islamabad earlier that day, when a bomber targeted an imambargah on the outskirts of the capital, killing more than 31 people and injuring over 169 others, sharply raising security concerns as opposition parties prepare for street mobilization.
In the wake of the attack, several government-led events were canceled as a sign of mourning.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the cancellation of all Basant-related activities in Lahore.
