JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman appearing for an interview with a private digital media platform. SCREENGRAB
RAWALPINDI:
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticised the incumbent government, its electoral process, foreign and economic policies, and the ongoing atrocities in Gaza during a youth convention in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
He declared the February 8 elections “fraudulent” and asserted that the current government operates on a “fake mandate,” which 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 significant because young people are joining JUI-F,” he said. “I welcome them and pray that their efforts lead the movement for freedom to its rightful destination, making Pakistan a fortress of Islam and a hub of peace.”
8فروری کو دو سال پہلے اسی دن ملک میں مرکزی انتخابات ہوئے جو نتیجہ سامنے آیا اس کو مسترد کردیا گیا اور جعلی قرار دیا گیا۔ آج جو حکومت کررہے ہیں جعلی مینڈیٹ پر حکومت کررہے ہیں، جمعیت علمائے اسلام ایسی حکومت کا حصہ نہیں ہوسکتی تھی اسی لیے اپوزیشن میں ہیں، اگر ہمارا تعلق جمعیت علمائے… 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 functions on a fraudulent mandate. JUI-F could never be part of such governance, which is why we are in the opposition.”
He emphasised 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 criticised the Election Commission, alleging serious manipulation of election results.
“Our struggle is not against the Constitution or institutions, but the mandate given by the people must be respected. Everyone knows how this mandate was manipulated. I challenge the Election Commission: it did not even know the results of a single constituency. Results were brought in from outside. The Election Commission has failed,” he stated.
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He reaffirmed JUI-F’s stance against what he called “rigged elections,” noting that the party speaks based on facts and pursues a path grounded in moderation and reason to guide the nation.
On foreign policy, Fazl condemned the government for sitting alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Gaza peace board. “How can one sit on a board with the killer of Muslims? This is shameful. If the United Nations can boycott Netanyahu, why are we legitimising his role?” he questioned.
He expressed outrage over the ongoing situation in Gaza. “The world has seen the suffering of 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.
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Fazl also criticised the government’s foreign policy, questioning whether mega projects under CPEC have progressed under the current administration. “The economy is worsening, regional neighbors are ahead of us, and national security is at risk,” he said.
On domestic governance, he highlighted failures in legislation and implementation of reforms promised under the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments. “The government focuses on consolidating its authority rather than serving the nation,” he remarked.
Concluding his address, the JUI-F chief called on the youth to continue striving for justice and accountability, emphasising that the party’s struggle is based on principles, not political opportunism.
