The Head of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Maulana Fazlur Rahman, has stated that the President does not have the authority to set election dates. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Maulana Fazlur Rahman expressed his concerns about reports suggesting that the President was issuing directives regarding elections.
He noted that for some time now, he had been hearing that the President was contemplating issuing certain orders. In his view, President Arif Alvi’s actions were indicative of partiality, as he believed the President was representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its chairman.
Maulana Fazlur Rahman asserted that the President should either let the Election Commission do its job or resign. He emphasized that the President’s advice had been directed towards biased courts, implying that the President was interfering in the political and electoral system.
He further accused the interim President of attempting to manipulate the situation to please certain forces interested in destabilizing the country. According to Maulana Fazlur Rahman, the interim President was exceeding his limits.
Maulana Fazlur Rahman also highlighted that Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was still a citizen of Pakistan and would return to the country. He criticized the manner in which Nawaz Sharif was removed from office, calling it an obstruction to his political journey.
Regarding the upcoming elections, he affirmed that his party and the PDM would not boycott them. He believed that the Election Commission should decide the election dates, and it was not bound to follow any order or recommendation from the President.
Maulana Fazlur Rahman pointed out the contradictions in President Arif Alvi’s statements and tweets, suggesting that the President’s actions were causing confusion. He reiterated that the Election Commission had the sole authority to determine the election schedule.
In terms of potential alliances for the upcoming elections, Maulana Fazlur Rahman mentioned that there had been no formal alliances established yet in Sindh. While some parties were engaged in discussions, no concrete agreements had been reached.
He clarified that his party had no current contacts with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), dispelling any rumors of an alliance. He mentioned the recent meeting with Muhammad Mian Soomro, but emphasized that it did not lead to any significant developments or alliances within the political landscape., Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s remarks underscored his concerns about the President’s involvement in the electoral process and emphasized the need for the Election Commission to independently determine election dates and procedures. He also highlighted the absence of formal alliances at this stage in Sindh’s political landscape.
