Fazlur Rehman backs TLP’s ‘right to protest’, calls for postponement of LG polls

Islamabad (HRNW) Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday asked the government to allow the outlawed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to use their right to protest while demanding a postponement of the upcoming local government elections.

In a press conference in Islamabad, the PDM chief slammed the government for the “suspicious” voter list formed for the local government elections.

“ECP said itself that they are starting voter verification system. This means ECP is accepting that voter list is suspicious which is why it needs verification,” said Fazl. What is the point of holding elections based on such a “suspicious voter list”, he asked.

Apart from the voter list, Fazl also raised questions on the local government system introduced in the country.

The PDM chief said that under the new law village council polls are to be held without any party affiliation but the tehsil elections are to be held on a party basis.

“Then people that are successful in village council have to join any party in 48 hours. Local government members job is to work for their area. And if they want funds and government is of PTI then they will force members to join PTI and say they have emerged as the largest political party,” explained Fazl.