Mohsin Naqvi Says Fazlur Rehman Has Lost His Respect After Anti-State Remarks

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has lost his respect in his eyes following what he described as anti-state remarks.

Addressing a Senate session, Naqvi said he had previously held Fazlur Rehman in high regard, but his alleged statement that he “spits on the state” had ended that respect.

“Maulana says he spits on the state. When he gets benefits from the state, it becomes his mother; when he gets nothing, he turns against it,” the interior minister said.

Naqvi also warned that those making such statements should not expect government positions or employment from the state, drawing strong reactions from the opposition during his speech.

The minister said a campaign had been underway against him for some time, including allegations that he had travelled to Iran to negotiate a defence agreement.

Clarifying the purpose of his visit, Naqvi said he had travelled to Iran in connection with the ongoing regional crisis and not to negotiate any defence agreement.

He explained that the prime minister had assigned him a special task, adding that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had not been informed because no defence-related discussions were involved.

Naqvi said he had no particular desire to travel abroad and rejected the criticism surrounding his visit.

He further accused JUI-F of repeatedly commenting on him and said criticism should be accompanied by a willingness to hear a response.

Responding to objections raised by Senator Kamran Murtaza over his remarks, the interior minister said political leaders should not use religion for personal or political gain.

Naqvi alleged that some political figures supported the state when they received government positions or benefits but turned against it when they were excluded from power.

He also claimed that, before discussions about imposing governor’s rule, some political figures had asked the government to resolve their problems with the provincial administration.

The minister’s remarks prompted an uproar from opposition members in the Senate as he continued his criticism of Fazlur Rehman and JUI-F.

The controversy centres on the minister’s allegations regarding Fazlur Rehman’s remarks about the state and the purpose of Naqvi’s visit to Iran.