Fazlur Rehman Calls for Fresh Elections, Terms 2018 and 2024 Polls Rigged

Karachi: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday strongly demanded fresh general elections, stating that both the 2018 and 2024 elections were rigged and lacked credibility.

Speaking during his visit to the Sindh Governor House, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said new elections were necessary to reflect the true mandate of the people. He said he visited the Governor House on the invitation of Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and thanked him for his hospitality. He also expressed gratitude for being awarded an honorary PhD degree, adding that he preferred to be addressed as “Maulana.”

During a media interaction, the JUI chief shared his views on religious education, saying that excluding the Holy Quran, Hadith, and religious sects from modern sciences was inappropriate. He emphasized that religious and modern education should go hand in hand and said the religious examination system was strong and effective.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman stressed the importance of studying history objectively and questioned Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan, stating that Afghanistan had never been a true friend of Pakistan and policymakers needed to reflect on the reasons behind this reality.

He welcomed unity among national institutions, saying Pakistan could progress if all institutions worked together. He also said refugees should be treated as guests and criticized pressure allegedly coming from certain quarters. On constitutional matters, he said the 26th Amendment was passed with consensus, while the 27th Amendment was imposed unilaterally.

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Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, speaking on the occasion, said it was an honor to award Maulana Fazlur Rehman an honorary PhD at the Governor House. He said detailed discussions were held on national issues, including Pakistan’s challenges and achievements.

Governor Tessori stated that terrorism in Pakistan was linked to Khawarij elements originating from Afghanistan and alleged the presence of Indian-sponsored terrorists there. He urged the Afghan government to distance itself from terrorism and recalled that Pakistan had treated Afghan citizens as guests and brothers during difficult times.

He emphasized the role of religious scholars and educational institutions—both religious and secular—in countering extremism and strengthening the country, adding that Pakistan was working to overcome economic challenges and that unity would ensure continued progress.