Neither 2018 nor 2024 Elections Were Constitutional, Fresh Polls Needed: Maulana Fazlur Rehman

**Islamabad:** Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has stated that neither the 2018 nor the 2024 general elections were conducted in accordance with the Constitution, asserting that fresh general elections should be held in the country.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi alongside the Governor of Sindh, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that all political forces are united on combating terrorism and emphasized the need to see Pakistan’s defense forces strong and capable. He stressed that the country must move towards the supremacy of the Constitution and respect for Parliament, noting that Pakistan’s rankings in judiciary and trade have declined.

Commenting on constitutional amendments, the JUI chief said the 27th Amendment was passed unilaterally, which has made the Constitution controversial. He added that the 26th Amendment was adopted through consensus and should not be disputed, whereas the 27th Amendment was forced through by creating an artificial two-thirds majority.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also discussed the issue of Afghan refugees, calling it a bilateral matter between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said a proper policy should be formulated for their repatriation rather than forcibly expelling them. He questioned why Afghanistan has never been a friend of Pakistan in the past 78 years, suggesting flaws in Pakistan’s Afghan policy, while maintaining that Pakistan’s defense position has remained strong.

He remarked that hospitality loses its value if guests are later expelled disrespectfully, noting that Afghans have made significant investments in Pakistan over the past four decades. He questioned why skills and education acquired by Afghans in Pakistan are being wasted.

On education, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said discussions could be held on a uniform curriculum, but eliminating religious education and seminaries was part of a Western agenda. He emphasized that religious seminaries are institutions in their own right and that Pakistan holds top rankings in religious education, which should be appreciated.

Concluding his remarks, he said it is a strength of Pakistani society that people respect one another despite political differences. Expressing gratitude for being awarded an honorary PhD, he added that he still prefers to be called “Maulana.”