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

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.

“In such a situation we do not accept these local government elections,” said the PDM chief. He added that the opposition alliance would consult their legal experts on the matter and reach out to the ECP to raise their objections.

When questioned about a boycott of the local government elections, the PDM chief said that it was under consideration but right now the opposition wants a postponement of the polls.

TLP should be allowed right to protest, says Fazl

The PDM chief also spoke about the TLP workers heading to Islamabad for the government’s failure to address their demands.

“TLP workers are heading towards Islamabad, whether their demands are right or wrong. Protesting is their constitutional right,” said Fazl.

The PDM chief lambasted the government for dealing with the protestors “cruelly” and called out the PTI-led government for their double standards.

The JUI-F chief said that when Imran Khan and his party did a 126-day sit-in at D Chowk it was right but when the TLP protests it is wrong.

“What’s more strange is when they (TLP) protested against Nawaz Sharif it was right and against Imran Khan it is wrong and taking law into the hand,” said Fazl. In such a situation we condemn the government’s cruelty, he said.

The PDM chief urged the government to allow the TLP to use their right to protest and deal with the matter as per the law.

PDM not to back BAP in Balochistan

Fazl also ruled out the idea of PDM backing Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidates in the chief minister elections.

“One thing is decided we will not form government with them,” said Fazl. When asked about whether he was talking about the PTI or BAP, he clarified that the opposition would not form any government with BAP.