Fazal ur Rehman rejects governorship reports, says any demand would be for PM’s office

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazal ur Rehman has dismissed reports suggesting he was interested in becoming governor, saying that if he sought a position, it would be the office of prime minister rather than governor.

In a statement on October 20, Fazal ur Rehman termed the reports entirely false and said they were insulting to him.

He also rejected the results of the 2024 general elections, calling for fresh, immediate and transparent polls across the country.

The JUI-F chief denied any association between his party and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or other organisations. He said his party had made sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, while its leaders, office-bearers, religious scholars and seminaries continued to face security threats.

He added that his own life and the seminaries linked to him were no longer safe.=

On constitutional matters, Fazal ur Rehman said his party had withdrawn proposed amendments during discussions on the 26th Constitutional Amendment because it believed they could undermine the system.

He alleged that similar amendments were subsequently approved through the 27th Constitutional Amendment by buying lawmakers' support.

Criticising the country's economic conditions, he said the economy remained weak and government policies had failed to bring relief to the public.

Addressing negotiations and military operations, Fazal ur Rehman questioned the rationale for holding talks after people had already been killed. He also asked how the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had obstructed the operation.

His remarks came amid renewed criticism of the 2024 election results, as he reiterated his demand for fresh polls and raised concerns about security, constitutional amendments and the country's economic situation.