Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), dropped a bombshell on Pakistani politics by alleging that former military leaders Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed influenced the no-confidence vote against Imran Khan. Here are the key takeaways:
Military’s Role: Rehman claims both generals guided all parties on the no-confidence vote, essentially confirming the PTI’s accusations of military interference. He emphasizes that the move was not solely their idea, but ultimately supported by PPP and PML-N.
Internal Conflict: Rehman reveals internal debates within JUI-F, admitting he initially opposed the no-confidence motion and preferred public pressure tactics. However, he changed his stance due to pressure from other parties.
PDM’s Purpose: Rehman clarifies the multi-party alliance PDM wasn’t just for elections, but a principle-based movement despite internal differences.
Election Rigging Allegations: Rehman reiterates his belief that both 2018 and 2024 elections were rigged, vowing to launch a campaign against it. He connects this to the alleged May 9 riots and criticizes the “establishment’s narrative” of fair elections.
Reaction Storm: The claims sparked heated reactions. PTI claims vindication, while PML-N and PPP deny involvement. Jamaat-i-Islami demands legal action against the generals, while PPP sees this as evidence of the establishment withdrawing support from Imran.
Unanswered Questions: Rehman’s statement raises crucial questions. Did the military truly influence the no-confidence vote? What evidence supports these claims? How will this impact future political alliances and the public perception of the military?
This news is likely to dominate political discourse in Pakistan for the foreseeable future, with potential consequences for the current government, the military’s role in politics, and the upcoming elections.
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