Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Md Taher on Wednesday slammed the government’s decision to hold a referendum alongside the national election, calling for its immediate withdrawal.

Dr Taher made the remarks after a meeting at Jamaat’s Moghbazar office with leaders of the 'eight-party alliance'.

While acknowledging that the chief adviser’s speech contains some points worth consideration, he said the overall package does not promise national relief or a better future.

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He stressed that reforms must precede elections and noted that the alliance has consistently advocated for pre-determined referendum outcomes to guide subsequent polls.

Criticising the simultaneous scheduling, Dr Taher said it could create practical difficulties in implementing approved referendum measures, though he described the cost of the referendum as negligible compared with its intended benefit.

Appreciating the adviser for issuing the July Charter, he added, “The referendum’s timing with the national election has created confusion. We urge its withdrawal.”

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Dr Taher also confirmed that the previously announced action plan of the 'eight-party alliance' would continue as scheduled.

The 'alliance' is set to provide detailed explanations at a press briefing on Nov 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Al-Falah Auditorium, where all party leaders will be present.