TIMERGARA, June 18: Internal differences in Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) have intensified after two of its groups openly confronted each other over the party’s poor performance in May 11 general election.

Speaking at a press conference here the other day, former Lower Dir district amir of JUI-F Maulana Zahid Khan and former general secretary Aminullah alleged that the party’s existing district cabinet had lost its right stay in office on completing its tenure and the party should hold fresh intra-party election in Lower Dir.

They said that delay in intra-party election had resulted in the JUI-F poor show in recent general elections. They also announced a shadow cabinet for Lower Dir with Maulana Bashir Ahmad as its patron and Maulana Zahid as district amir. They announced that elections to tehsil and district consultative bodies would be completed till June 23.

Meanwhile, the JUI-F district amir Qazi Fazlullah announced to suspend the basic membership of Maulana Zahid, Aminullah and their aides for violation of party discipline.

Speaking at a press conference at Timergara Press Club, Mr Fazlullah said that the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman had given extension to the existing cabinet in Lower Dir.

He alleged that Mr Zahid’s group had worked against the party candidates in May 11 elections.