Maulana Fazlur Rehman Announces Nationwide Protests Against Inflation, Says “Decisions Will Now Be Made in the Streets”
Islamabad (News Desk) — Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced a countrywide protest movement against inflation, declaring that “decisions will no longer be made in parliament but on the streets.” He said nationwide demonstrations will be held on May 22.
Speaking at the “Wahdat-e-Ummat Conference” in Karachi, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the Muslim world has long been suffering from global oppression and aggression. He alleged that the United States and Western powers had waged wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, causing widespread destruction.
He further stated that the situation in Gaza had unfolded in front of the world while the Muslim Ummah remained a silent spectator. He warned that if Iran were subdued by Israel, then Pakistan would be next in line, claiming that “their eyes are on the holy places of Islam.”
Calling for unity among Muslim countries, he urged Arab states to form a collective defense force to protect the Ummah.
The JUI-F chief said Pakistan is currently facing a lack of national unity, but claimed his party represents unity and rejects politics of hatred. He emphasized the need for respectful political discourse and said his party promotes “politics of love, not extremism.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution, he said that those who violate it would be responsible for the country’s destruction. He also expressed respect for state institutions, warning against attempts to pit JUI-F against them, saying such efforts would be self-destructive.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman claimed that JUI-F has made sacrifices for the country, stating that its leaders, scholars, and workers have been targeted. He alleged electoral manipulation has kept his party out of power despite participating in democratic elections.
He further said that while some forces label his party with religious extremism, others exclude it from parliament. Referring to violence in tribal regions, he said dozens of lives were lost in incidents in Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, and Mohmand, questioning why religious scholars are being targeted.
In a strong statement, he said that if he is killed, he will not seek revenge, but added that the state would be responsible for his death. He also claimed he was discouraged from attending public events but chose to proceed regardless.
Criticizing economic conditions, he pointed out rising inflation in Pakistan compared to neighboring countries and demanded better economic policies, including agreements for oil imports from Iran.
He also criticized privatization policies, restrictions on religious seminaries, and failure to implement educational reforms for madrassas. He called for reduction in inflation and improvement in employment and education opportunities.
Announcing the protest schedule, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said demonstrations against inflation will be held on May 22 at all district headquarters across the country. He added that a major public gathering will be held in Pishin on June 4.
