General elections to happen sooner or later: Fazl

PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulma e Islam- Fazl (JUI-F) chief and President of the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Maulana Fazl ur Rehman said that although PDM was not an electoral alliance, seat adjustment between its members was possible at regional level like by-elections in the recent past.

Addressing a news conference on Monday after his party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, Fazl said that the decision regarding general elections date was the prerogative of the parliament within the constitutional. However, he added, “there is no doubt that general elections will be held sooner or later.”

Turning towards economic vows faced by the country, the JUI-F supremo welcomed Chinese investment in different sectors in Pakistan. “China came forward with a huge economic development plan but the previous government, under an international agenda, halted progress on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project,” he said while pressing on the need to take confidence building measures (CBMs) with China “because development project worth over USD70b was slashed by Imran Khan to please America.”

Responding to a question about the United States concerns over the detention of PTI leaders and activists, he said thousands had been detained in the US itself for carrying out attack on Capitol Hill but instead they were more concerned about those detained in Pakistan for carrying out attacks on defense installations. “It the worst form of keeping double standards,” he added.

On a separate note, he added that none of leaders deserting PTI had reached out to join JUI-F so far. “JUI-F keeps its doors open for everyone but no criminal will be given clean chit for merely joining our party,” he maintained

Answering a question over banning PTI, Fazl said “PTI, as a party, should not exist after the May 9 mayhem but the decision to ban them rests with the court and the courts are protecting them”.

To another question he said that former premier Nawaz Sharif will make decision to return home whenever he finds its appropriate as it is his country.