KARACHI:
Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has lashed out at the establishment, accusing it of prioritizing its own hold on power while ignoring the principles of good and bad.
“Their only concern is maintaining their power. The establishment ridicules the people’s vote, so why shouldn’t the public mock the establishment in return?” he asked at a press conference in Karachi on Saturday.
He claimed the establishment’s claim that he was apolitical was contradictory, calling it a thinly veiled political position. “Even martial law regimes have managed to fulfill their mandate,” he noted.
He highlighted allegations of election interference, saying: “They ensured the victory of a candidate who was unable to win even a single polling station. Such practices continue to erode the character sacred of democracy and the constitution.”
The veteran politician expressed disappointment with some political leaders, accusing them of undermining democracy and constitutional principles for personal gain. “Our grievances against political leaders who fail to uphold democratic standards and are only interested in their own power,” he lamented.
His comments come amid ongoing protests by the JUI-F against alleged manipulation of the results of the PB-45 Balochistan Assembly by-election.
On broader national issues, Fazl stressed the importance of resolving issues through consensus. “We must improve the situation of the country [existing] system,” he stressed.
The cleric and politician also spoke about education reform, recognizing parliamentary legislation for the regulation and registration of madrassas.
While noting that a presidential order had eased the registration process, he added: “We do not oppose these reforms, but we must ensure that they respect the autonomy of these institutions.”
Responding to recent speculations, Fazl clarified that his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was personal. “He often comes to my house and our discussions remain private,” he said.
Fazl reiterated his respect for Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui but could not resist a joke. “Despite being the Federal Minister of Education, he often comes to my house to ‘study’ various issues,” he remarked.
On the economy, he called for transparency, insisting that “the truth about the nation’s economic situation must be revealed.”
