Speaking to newsmen at a press briefing here at Markaz Al-Islami, the provincial headquarters of the party, Qazi Hussein Ahmad said that under the prevailing circumstances the exercise would be a fraud in the name of elections. He said that in the presence of partial government and dubious Election Commission the party has decided to go for boycott of the upcoming polls.
He said that after the issuance of Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO), the courts are non functional, the media is gagged and do not expect the holding of free, fair and transparent polls in the country.
Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that four component parties of the MMA except JUI-F has also decided to boycott the polls and they are backing Jamaat's decision. He said that they have already directed the party candidates to take back their nominations from the contest, saying that the papers would be withdrawn before the deadline set in this regard.
MMA chief was of the view that JUI-F decision to participate in the elections will not harm the unity of the religio-political alliance and will remain intact. He said that the alliance was for a wider purpose of promoting sectarian harmony among all religious sects and the elections rift will not affect it.
He said that the boycott of Jamaat-i-Islami would pave way for revival of true democratic rule in the country and help put an end to the dictatorial regime in the country. Similarly, he said that all components of the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) except Awami National Party has also decided to go for boycott of the polls and will standby the decision made in this regard.