Mohammad Ali Durrani proposes a ‘minus Maulana Fazlur Rehman’ formula for the opposition alliance

LAHORE, Feb 13 (SABAH): Senior politician and former federal minister
Mohammad Ali Durrani has proposed a "minus Maulana Fazlur Rehman"
formula for the opposition alliance.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Durrani stated that a meeting of those
who supported the 26th Amendment could not be termed an "opposition
alliance" but rather a "government alliance."

He argued that the 26th Amendment has caused significant damage to
Pakistan's judicial and constitutional systems, as well as the fundamental
human rights of its citizens.

Durrani, a former senator, questioned the legitimacy of those accused of
forming the government under Form 47, asking, "how can a government,
whose formation remains constitutionally and legally questionable, exercise
the right to amend the Constitution?"

When asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman's potential inclusion in the
proposed opposition alliance, Durrani acknowledged his personal respect for

Maulana but emphasized that by supporting the 26th Amendment, Maulana
had committed a grave political error. "The public believes that Maulana
played a pivotal role in the passage of the 26th Amendment, and they are
deeply displeased with this," he added.

Durrani suggested that Maulana Fazlur Rehman should publicly admit his
mistake and apologize to the nation. "Personally, I firmly believe that
Maulana Fazlur Rehman should be part of a genuine opposition," Durrani
stated.

He further criticized the current government, stating that it stands on two
pillars: the People's Party and the JUI (Fazlur Rehman). "Whenever the
government faces challenges, both parties rush to its rescue," he remarked.

Durrani also accused the federal government of conspiring against Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, claiming that the
government had failed to bring him on the "same page."

Regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC),
Durrani expressed concerns that the PTI and the opposition alliance might be
lured into another sinister scheme similar to the 26th Amendment. "The
government could cleverly use the opposition to nominate its preferred
candidate for the position, as it has done before.

He said in my opinion, the PTI should avoid falling into such a government
trap again, as it would cause even greater harm to the country than the
26th Amendment," he cautioned. He warned that aligning with the
government would only bring further damage to the PTI.