KARACHI:
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman has hit out at the establishment, accusing it of prioritizing its own grip on power while flouting the principles of right and wrong.
“Their only concern is maintaining their power. The establishment ridicules the voice of the people, so why shouldn’t the public mock the establishment in return?” he asked during a press conference in Karachi on Saturday.
He argued that the establishment’s claim to be apolitical was self-contradictory, calling it a thinly veiled political stance. “Even martial law regimes have managed to complete their periods of power,” he noted.
Pointing to alleged election interference, he said: “They ensured the victory of a candidate who could not win a single polling station. Such practices continue to erode the sanctity of democracy and the Constitution.”
The veteran politician expressed disappointment with certain political leaders, accusing them of undermining democracy and constitutional principles for personal gain. “Our complaints against political leaders who fail to uphold democratic norms and are only interested in their own rule,” he lamented.
His comments came amid JUI-F’s ongoing protests against alleged manipulation in the Balochistan Assembly PB-45 by-election results.
Regarding broader national issues, Fazl emphasized the importance of resolving matters through consensus. “We have to improve the country [existing] system,” he stressed.
The clerical politician also touched on education reforms, acknowledging the parliamentary legislation for the regulation and registration of madrassas.
While noting that a presidential order had eased the registration process, he added: “We are not opposed to these reforms, but we must ensure that they respect the autonomy of these institutions.”
Addressing recent speculations, Fazl clarified that his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was personal. “He often visits my residence and our discussions remain private,” he said.
Fazl reiterated his respect for Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui but could not resist a laugh. “Even though he is the Federal Minister of Education, he often comes to my house to ‘study’ various issues,” he noted.
On the economy, he called for transparency, urging: “The truth about the nation’s economic condition must be revealed”.
