KARACHI/PESHAWAR: Amid multiple crises faced by the country, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday urged all political parties to rise above partisan politics and sit together to make decisions for the sake of the country’s security.

Addressing a condolence reference on the first death anniversary of Baloch nationalist leader Attaullah Mengal in Karachi, the chief of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — a multi-party alliance currently in power — sought immediate measures that could act as a deterrent against a weakening democracy and tottering economy.

“It’s time that we sit together and identify flaws in our system whether it’s political, economic or social to find their sustainable solutions,” he said.

“The history suggests that most of the time, we opted for wrong policy and then faced the repercussions. [But] now we don’t have any chance for mistakes… we need to go beyond our political and personal interests for the security and prosperity of this country,” he added.

JUI-F chief rules out snap polls, says COAS appointment to be made by PM Shehbaz

‘Shehbaz to appoint COAS’

On late Saturday night, the JUI-F chief chaired a party meeting in Peshawar where he ruled out snap polls — a demand repeatedly put forth by former premier Imran Khan since his ouster in April — and said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will appoint the new army chief in November.

“Imran Khan should wait till 2023 and PDM and its allies will hold general elections at the appropriate time,” he said while addressing members of provincial general council.

According to a statement issued by the JUI-F on Sunday, Maulana Fazl said that voters would reject PTI chief Imran Khan in the coming by-polls.

He alleged that Mr Khan, who was “holding secret meetings with US officials and following their dictations”, was trying to befool citizens.

He also alleged that the PTI was receiving funds from America, Israel and India to allegedly conspire against the state, army, and other institutions.

The PDM chief added that the former premier should explain to the public as to why he handed over the control of the State Bank of Pakistan to the IMF through a legislation.

According to the JUI-F chief, his party had always struggled against the imperialist forces. He also asked party workers to run a campaign for PDM candidates in the upcoming by-elections.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2022