Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has hinted at launching an anti-government movement after Eid, stating that the current rulers lack public legitimacy and the country is facing a crisis.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad on Sunday, Maulana Fazl announced that the party's general assembly has been convened to deliberate on the movement against the government. "A final decision will be taken after Eid," he said, adding that political stability was crucial for the country's progress.
The JUI-F chief strongly criticised the government, parliament, and state institutions, alleging that the prime minister, president, and interior minister were "unqualified" to lead the country. "The current rulers did not come through public mandate; they were imposed," he remarked.
Maulana Fazl further claimed that he had been approached to join the government but had refused, choosing instead to stand by his principles.
Relations with PTI
On the question of aligning with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in an anti-government movement, Maulana Fazl said that past bitterness between the two parties had subsided and relations were improving. However, he maintained that a final decision on a potential alliance with PTI would be taken in the upcoming party meeting.
"The real leadership of PTI is in jail, and there is a lack of unity among those outside," he stated, adding that mere rhetoric would not disrupt any possible collaboration between the two parties.
The JUI-F chief also called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to play a more active role in national politics. "If Nawaz Sharif thinks governing a single province is enough, then where does Pakistan stand?" he questioned.
Concerns over governance
Maulana Fazl criticised the government's handling of national issues, stating that while opposition leaders were raising concerns about the country's situation, the government remained silent. "The prime minister is busy inviting people for iftar, yet he refuses to address the real problems facing the nation," he remarked.
He also expressed concerns over the removal of employees from government institutions, including the Postal Services and Public Works Department (PWD), questioning the administration’s criteria for competence.
Afghanistan policy
When asked about Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan, Maulana Fazl said that if the state sought his party’s input on the matter, JUI-F would consider it.
The JUI-F chief’s remarks come amid growing political uncertainty, with opposition parties increasingly voicing dissatisfaction with the current administration. The coming weeks will determine whether Maulana Fazlur Rehman moves ahead with his proposed anti-government movement and whether it garners broader political support.
