JUI Blames Postponement of Quetta Local Elections for Its Biggest Setback, Rejects Allegations of Filing Delay

**Quetta:** The Quetta district leadership of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has stated that the postponement of local government elections has caused the party the greatest loss, dismissing allegations that it failed to file petitions to challenge the delay.

In a joint statement, district leaders including Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Abdul Rahman Rafiq, Haji Ainullah Shams, Maulana Khurshid Ahmed, Maulana Muhammad Suleman, and others said that despite complex and non-transparent electoral delimitations, JUI fielded the highest number of candidates—over 400—across the district and had secured a significant lead with 45 councilors and 10 complete union councils in the first phase.

The statement clarified that initial concerns regarding flawed delimitations, alleged manipulation in electoral lists, and short-term formation of local bodies prompted JUI and other political parties to request the postponement of elections to ensure correct and fair processes. However, when no progress was made, JUI decided to actively participate in the elections despite its reservations.

Leaders emphasized that JUI respects the legal and constitutional rights of all political and religious parties but condemned the postponement at this stage as a clear injustice to the people of Quetta. The party also clarified that Senator Kamran Murtaza, being a distinguished lawyer, did not file petitions on behalf of JUI; previous court petitions were filed by civil society members and other political groups, while JUI members only participated in legal proceedings as individuals, not officially as a party.

The statement concluded by rejecting all baseless propaganda linking JUI to the election delay, asserting that the party will not be intimidated by such misinformation.