“Hypocrisy Exposed, Anti-State Statements Cannot Conceal a Dark Record,” Farah Azeem Shah Criticises Fazlur Rehman
QUETTA: Balochistan Assembly member Farah Azeem Shah has criticised what she described as anti-Pakistan propaganda and attempts to create political instability, saying that toxic propaganda was being spread from internal and external fronts to harm the country.
In a press conference in Quetta, Shah described Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statements and what she termed baseless allegations as highly regrettable and irresponsible.
She urged Fazlur Rehman to stop making statements that, in her view, echoed the narrative of anti-state elements, and said politicians should refrain from irresponsible remarks and unfounded accusations.
“This is not the time to target the state for personal or political interests,” she stressed.
Pakistan’s Achievements and Its Adversaries’ Unease
Shah said that whenever Pakistan moved towards progress and achieved greater recognition internationally, hostile elements and their alleged facilitators became active.
She maintained that Pakistan’s adversaries were unable to accept the country’s defence and diplomatic achievements. Despite multiple challenges, she said, Pakistan was making progress in important areas, including national defence capabilities and diplomacy.
Calls for National Unity and Support for Security Forces
The provincial lawmaker said Pakistan’s security and survival remained the nation’s foremost priorities, adding that the state’s role in maintaining peace was recognised internationally.
She stressed that the country needed unity and solidarity at this critical time and called on the nation to stand firmly with the security forces and honour the sacrifices of those who had laid down their lives for the country.
Shah said the sacrifices of martyrs and security personnel were essential to safeguarding Pakistan’s defence and maintaining peace.
She expressed confidence that terrorism was a temporary challenge and would be overcome soon. She also said Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti had consistently emphasised the importance of supporting the state and maintaining national unity at every stage.
Criticism of the Use of Religion for Political Interests
Shah further argued that Fazlur Rehman should recognise that the use of religion to protect personal political and economic interests was no longer acceptable to the public.
She said people had become increasingly aware of those who, in her view, used religion to advance their personal interests.
The assembly member reiterated that national solidarity, responsible political discourse and support for state institutions were essential to countering destabilising efforts and protecting Pakistan’s interests.
