Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is actively seeking the support of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in the upcoming elections for the Prime Minister and National Assembly (NA) speaker positions, as reported by Pakistan-based ARY News.
A delegation from PTI, led by its nominees for Prime Minister Omar Ayub and National Assembly Speaker Amir Dogar, among others, visited the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman in Islamabad to solicit support.
Omar Ayub, PTI’s nominee for the PM position, stated that their visit aimed to secure JUI-F’s backing in the election process, emphasizing, “We came here with a request to vote for the PTI’s nominees in the elections for Prime Minister and National Assembly speaker slots.”
Addressing concerns about PTI founder Imran Khan’s awareness of these developments, Ayub affirmed that Imran Khan is informed, despite being incarcerated. He acknowledged the reservations of various political parties regarding the election results.
Asad Qaiser, another PTI representative, highlighted the common ground between PTI and JUI-F concerning the election results and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law for national progress.
This move follows a series of discussions between the two parties regarding alleged electoral irregularities in the February 8 elections. Both PTI and JUI-F have expressed reservations about the integrity of the polls.
The February 8 general elections saw PTI emerge as the dominant force, although allegations of rigging persisted alongside disruptions in communication services. PTI has since announced plans to stage nationwide protests on March 2, joined by other political entities, to contest the alleged electoral malpractice.
Omar Ayub, also PTI’s Secretary General, reiterated accusations of widespread rigging, asserting that the party’s mandate was compromised. He stressed the need to fight for truth through legal and parliamentary avenues.
Furthermore, PTI disclosed its nominations for the NA speaker and deputy speaker positions, nominating Amir Dogar and Junaid Khan respectively, as part of its ongoing efforts to assert its electoral legitimacy.