Fazlur Rehman Condemns Violence Outside Adiala Jail, Says Assault on Parliamentarians Reflects Rising Authoritarianism

Islamabad: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has strongly condemned the violence against peaceful, constitutionally protected protesters outside Adiala Jail, calling it “regrettable and unacceptable.” He said that meeting a jailed individual is the constitutional right of their family members and must not be obstructed.

He stated that the manhandling of parliamentarians and opposition leaders is a sign of authoritarianism, adding that democratic norms in the country are being openly ridiculed. Fazlur Rehman also expressed deep concern over the treatment of women during the incident, noting that respecting women is an integral part of Eastern and Islamic traditions.

He recalled that last night’s violence revived memories of the mistreatment of the late Kulsoom Nawaz, calling the incident deeply disturbing. The JUI-F chief warned that the overall political climate is heading toward chaos and confrontation, stressing that the country’s fragile economy and current circumstances cannot bear further instability.