KARACHI:
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman has taken a swipe at the establishment, accusing it of prioritising its own grip on power while disregarding principles of right and wrong.
“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 questioned during a press conference in Karachi on Saturday.
He claimed that the establishment’s assertion of being apolitical was contradictory, calling it a thinly veiled political stance. “Even martial law regimes have managed to complete their terms in power,” he remarked.
He pointed to alleged electoral interference, saying, “They ensured the victory of a candidate who couldn’t win even 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 grievances with political leaders who fail to uphold democratic norms and are only interested in vested in their own rule,” he lamented.
His comments came amid JUI-F’s ongoing protests against alleged manipulation in the Balochistan Assembly’s PB-45 by-election results.
On broader national issues, Fazl stressed the importance of resolving matters through consensus. “We have to improve the country’s [existing] system,” he stressed.
The cleric-politician also touched on education reforms, acknowledging the parliamentary legislation for the regulation and registration of madrassas.
While he noted that a presidential ordinance had provided relief in the registration process, he added, “We do not object to these reforms, but we must ensure they respect the autonomy of these institutions.”
Addressing recent speculation, Fazl clarified that his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was personal. “He often visits my residence, and our discussions remain private,” he stated.
Fazl reiterated his respect for Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui but couldn’t resist a quip. “Though he is the federal minister for education, he often comes to my house to ‘study’ various issues,” he remarked.
On the economy, he called for transparency, urging, “The truth about the nation’s economic condition must be revealed”.
