Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman accused former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and former director general Inter-Services Intelligence Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed of orchestrating the no-trust vote against former prime minister Imran Khan.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Fazl disclosed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spearheaded the no-confidence move against Imran Khan, with Bajwa and Faiz providing directives to political parties. “I was not in favour of it, but I supported it because then the PDM would have said that I saved Imran Khan,” he stated.

He alleged that General (retd) Faiz also supported the no-confidence motion, claiming, “Gen Bajwa and Gen Faiz gave instructions about the no-confidence motion and PML-N and PPP sealed it. Gen Faiz said that we can do everything within the limits of the system and he had no objection to it.”

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Fazl said that both the 2018 and 2024 elections were rigged. “We have decided to protest against this vote theft. Now the decisions would be taken on the ground rather than in the assembly,” he declared.

Regarding discussions with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on government formation, the JUI-F chief disclosed his refusal to participate. “I believe whatever happened during the 2024 elections, it benefitted PML-N. There are rumours that Nawaz Sharif was given the Lahore seat,” he added.

He cautioned that if PML-N and other political parties proceed to form the government, they would be held accountable for the consequences. “I don’t see a [bright] future for the parliament, therefore, I invited PML-N to sit with us,” he stressed.

Fazl also expressed optimism about resolving differences with the PTI, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue.