JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman Criticizes Decision-Making at Establishment Forums, Calls for Dialogue with Politicians

In a media briefing in Islamabad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), expressed concerns about the growing political issues in Pakistan, stating that as long as decisions continue to be made on “establishment forums,” the problems in the country would only intensify. He called for political leaders to engage in discussions with one another and avoid pushing the country to a point where all avenues of communication are closed.

Maulana Fazl stated that the government’s writ is weak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where armed groups roam freely and government control is hardly visible. He mentioned that the situation is alarming, especially in the face of the growing terrorist activities in these regions.

He also condemned the proxy wars that Pakistan has been engaged in, leading the nation into a state of vulnerability. The JUI-F chief expressed his sorrow at the martyrdom of security personnel and emphasized the need to address the root causes of the country’s security challenges. He pointed out the accusations of money laundering against politicians and the growing criticism of religious seminaries (madrasas).

Fazl also highlighted the troubling situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where terrorists continue to operate freely, leading to a loss of trust in Pakistan’s defensive capabilities. He questioned the government’s effectiveness, stating that even in his own village, terrorists move without fear, and he doubted the adequacy of security forces to protect him if necessary.

On the issue of Balochistan, Maulana Fazl warned that if the Baloch people declared their independence, they might find support from local communities. He stressed the importance of taking a realistic approach to such issues rather than turning a blind eye to the realities of the situation.

The JUI-F chief also criticized the handling of Kashmir, accusing Pakistan of betraying the Kashmir cause by using it for political gain, while leaving the Kashmiri people isolated. He condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attempting to alter Kashmir’s demographics and lauded the resilience of the Kashmiri people in countering such efforts.

Maulana Fazl raised concerns over Pakistan’s deteriorating relationship with Afghanistan, mentioning that there has been increased focus on Afghan refugees entering Pakistan and engaging in criminal activities. He recalled the time during former President Pervez Musharraf’s tenure when Pakistan supported the U.S. airstrikes in Afghanistan and facilitated their operations. He questioned why Pakistan now faces criticism when it had previously been involved in military actions across the border.

He also discussed the pressure being placed on religious seminaries in Pakistan, particularly by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), accusing the government of unfairly targeting madrasas for money laundering allegations. He pointed out that laws regulating madrasas have already been passed in federal legislation but have not been fully implemented at the provincial level.

Maulana Fazl concluded by acknowledging the graduation of 43,000 students from the Federation of Madrasas this year and the registration of 18,000 madrasas, arguing that these institutions stand by the Constitution and the Parliament. He also expressed frustration over the failure to address the problems in tribal areas and the ongoing target killings in those regions, which he believed was a direct result of the government’s policies.