JUI-F leader warns evolving global rivalries could push world toward wider conflict; calls for release of Imran Khan
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman meets senior journalists at his residence in Lahore to discuss regional and national political developments. Photo: Express
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday urged Gulf states to reassess their security arrangements, arguing that the presence of US air bases had led to strategic risks rather than protection.
Speaking at a special meeting with senior journalists in Lahore, he warned that changing regional dynamics and intensifying global rivalries could push the world towards wider conflict. At the same time, domestic political instability and policy inconsistency continue to aggravate Pakistan’s internal problems.
“The changing regional situation and growing global rivalries may lead the world towards wider conflict,” he was quoted as saying, while commenting on regional developments.
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While welcoming Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, he said Islamabad was trying to mediate to prevent a potential third world war. However, he warned: “If the escalation continues, the major powers could be drawn into a wider confrontation. »
Commenting on domestic politics, he said former Prime Minister Imran Khan should be released and allowed to participate in the political process. He confirmed that contacts had taken place with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, but had not led to any results.
Fazl praised defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing it as important for regional stability.
On Afghanistan, he said: “Pakistan seeks urgency, while Afghanistan demands time, which has created a political impasse that is making the situation worse. »
Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he claimed that the project was stalled during Imran’s tenure and was yet to regain momentum, while questioning the political continuity, saying there had been no visible change in Pakistan’s approach towards China.
On elections, he said the trends observed in the 2018 and 2024 general elections were similar and continued in the by-elections, citing examples in Quetta, Ziarat and Kalat. He said: “Unlike other countries where allegations of fraud are directed at political actors, in Pakistan they are aimed at institutions. »
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He further said that policies regarding religious seminaries had remained unchanged over successive governments, but implementation remained weak, with persistent problems with registration and banking access.
Addressing global trends, he argued that communism and democracy were weakening, with governance increasingly shaped by a mix of capitalism, authoritarianism and militarization.
The session was attended by top journalists including Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Hafeezullah Niazi, Sohail Warraich, Iftikhar Ahmed and Habib Akram, along with party leaders Aslam Ghauri, Maulana Amjad Khan, Maulana Safiullah, Hafiz Naseer Ahrar, Tariq Khan Baloch, Hafiz Ghazanfar Aziz, Asad Khawaja and Saeed Ahmed Chachar.
