Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri Hits Back at Maryam Nawaz, Recalls JUI-F’s Role in PDM Movement
ISLAMABAD:Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F) Secretary-General and Member of the National Assembly Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri has strongly criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, accusing her of forgetting the support provided by his party during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) campaign against former prime minister Imran Khan.
Reacting to Maryam Nawaz’s post on social media platform X, Haideri urged her to remember the political history and sacrifices made by JUI-F, claiming that the PML-N had benefited significantly from the movement launched against the PTI government.
“Whether you remember it or not, we remember every detail,” Haideri said, recalling the political struggle against Imran Khan’s government and the subsequent formation of a coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif.
He claimed that tensions had developed between JUI-F leadership and former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa over issues involving PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. According to Haideri, JUI-F had been told at the time that its political campaign was benefiting Nawaz Sharif.
Recalling an appearance by Maryam Nawaz before an accountability court in Lahore, Haideri said he had travelled to the city on the instructions of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and mobilised party workers from Lahore and surrounding districts to demonstrate solidarity.
He claimed that pressure from JUI-F workers had contributed to the cancellation of her court appearance, adding that PML-N leaders Khawaja Saad Rafique and Rana Sanaullah could corroborate his account.
Haideri also recalled a PDM rally held at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, alleging that JUI-F workers had managed most of the arrangements for the event despite the PML-N being the host party.
He said JUI-F had subsequently continued its political struggle through the PDM platform, which ultimately led to the removal of the PTI government and the appointment of Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister.
The JUI-F leader accused Maryam Nawaz and the PML-N of later aligning themselves with the establishment and conspiring to defeat his party in elections. These allegations were made by Haideri in his response to the Punjab chief minister.
He further criticised the restrictions allegedly imposed on JUI-F gatherings in Punjab, questioning why his party was being prevented from holding public meetings despite its past support for the PML-N.
Haideri also said that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had extended support to Maryam Nawaz and her family during a difficult period, accusing her of failing to acknowledge that assistance and subsequently criticising the JUI-F chief.
Concluding his statement, Haideri warned Maryam Nawaz to change what he described as an inappropriate attitude towards JUI-F, alleging that her recent positions were intended to please the establishment. He said his party would respond if the situation continued.
