Fazl says PDM is not an electoral alliance

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam head Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Monday the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was a ruling alliance, not an electoral alliance.

Speaking to media after meeting PML-N leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Lahore, he said every party had its own manifesto, adding that there was possibility of regional alliance for seat adjustment.

He said the ruling alliance would take a unanimous decision on elections, saying: “We are not running away from elections”. He said the country was not able to undergo a “new practice” in the ongoing situation.

He said Pakistan started witnessing decline in growth in 2017, adding: “Public knows very well who has pushed the country into this quagmire”. He said the JUI-F had been holding bigger rallies than those of PTI but no violation of law was committed in “our public gatherings”.

He said the army act would take its course when a political party attacked military installation. He said there was also right to appeal under the army act.

Earlier, Mr Rehman and Minister for Communications Maulana Asad Mehmood called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Monday. They held consultation on the next budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and the overall political situation of the country.

During the meeting, Fazlur Rehman put forth his suggestions aimed at providing relief to the masses in the upcoming budget.

Later, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief visited the house of PML-N leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to condole the death of his brother Sardar Mahmood Sadiq. Mr Rehman prayed for the departed soul.