Shafaqna Pakistan:Tens of thousands of opposition supporters led by JUI-F’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman have gathered in Islamabad to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan, warning of chaos if their demands were not met.
The protest in the capital is the first concerted opposition challenge the cricket star-turned-politician has faced since he won a general election last year promising to end corruption.
Security remains tight in Islamabad with the government and diplomatic sector – just a few kilometres from the rally site – sealed off, and roads blocked from shipping containers.
Addressing the protesters, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the struggle against the PTI government will continue and the next course of action would be devised by the leadership of the joint opposition with regards to Azadi March.
Commenting on Fata merger, he said the rulers had announced tax relaxation for the erstwhile tribal areas but ‘atrocious taxes’ are being imposed by the PTI government instead.
“Today, provinces are not prepared to give Fata its fair share… Rs1 billion were announced for Fata but not even a single penny is received thus far.”
Firing a broadside at the government of PM Imran, he said people considered this government to be backed by the power that be. “But we have put them to shame,” he remarked.
Awami National Party (ANP) leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain, while addressing the participants of Azadi March in Islamabad on Sunday, claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan came into power through rigging.
All opposition parties are unanimous in demanding the prime minister’s resignation and fresh elections in the country, he said.
The ANP leader demanded that free and fair elections must be ensured under the supervision of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
“We will say yes to any decision taken by the joint opposition leadership.”