Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced plans to initiate a nationwide protest campaign against the federal government’s policies after Eidul Fitr. He has termed the current government and parliament as “puppets,” expressing concerns over rising corruption and deteriorating law and order in provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Fazlur Rehman has indicated a potential alliance with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for this protest movement, noting that past tensions between the two parties have diminished. He acknowledged that the “real leadership of PTI” remains incarcerated, leading to a lack of unity among those outside. A final decision regarding collaboration with PTI will be made in the upcoming JUI-F policy meeting.
Criticizing the government’s legitimacy, Fazlur Rehman stated that key figures like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lack electoral credibility and do not truly represent the people. He also accused the government of creating unemployment by dismissing employees from institutions such as the Pakistan Postal Services and the Public Works Department (PWD).
Expressing concerns over the government’s handling of security and governance, he argued that authorities treat Punjab as if it were the entire country while neglecting other provinces. He questioned the government’s priorities, highlighting that while opposition leaders are raising concerns about the country’s situation, the government remains silent.
The JUI-F chief also emphasized the need for political stability, stating that the country’s progress is contingent upon it. He warned that if the government continues to make unilateral decisions, it could lead to increased political unrest.
Fazlur Rehman has convened a meeting of the JUI-F general assembly to devise a comprehensive plan for the protest drive, with a final decision to be made after Eidul Fitr.
