JUI-F and PTI Seek Fresh Transparent Elections Through Assembly Dissolution

JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman announced PTI's willingness to dissolve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for fresh transparent elections. The JUI-F formed a committee to strategize with PTI, emphasizing fair treatment of all leaders. The dialogue aims to overcome a decade-long rift between the parties.

In a significant political development, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman announced on Saturday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed willingness to dissolve the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to facilitate fresh 'transparent' elections, as reported by ARY News. Rehman stated that PTI is prepared to resign from other assemblies as well, paving the way for new electoral processes.

The JUI-F leader proposed simultaneous parliamentary and local body elections as a comprehensive strategy for political renewal. To this end, JUI-F has constituted a committee led by Kamran Murtaza and composed of Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Fazl Ghaffar, Aslam Ghori, and Maulana Amjad to engage PTI in constructive talks, according to an ARY News report.

Rehman emphasized that baseless cases should not be initiated against any political leaders, including PTI founder Imran Khan. He warned that the establishment must revise its policies to ensure the country's stability, adding that martial law or emergency measures would no longer be viable solutions.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains incarcerated in Adiala Jail since August 2023, facing multiple charges, including those related to the Toshakhana case, the cypher case, and unlawful marriage. The call for fresh elections comes amidst a politically charged atmosphere following Pakistan's 12th national general election on February 8, marked by allegations of rigging and communications shutdowns.

In earlier remarks on June 19, Rehman indicated that success in dialogues with PTI hinges on their sincerity. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor highlighted the longstanding 10- to 12-year rift between JUI-F and PTI, suggesting that significant efforts would be needed to rebuild trust. Ghafoor confirmed a meeting between Maulana Fazalur Rehman and PTI leader Asad Qaiser, signaling potential progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)