PESHAWAR: Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, delivered a wide-ranging address at a workers’ convention in Peshawar on Saturday, criticizing the government over constitutional violations, military intervention in politics, and the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.
Maulana said Pakistan’s Constitution clearly states that no law shall be enacted against the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, but expressed regret that this constitutional provision is not being implemented to the letter.
“The constitution was finalized through the struggle of our scholars, but its non-implementation reflects the negligence of rulers,” he said.
The JUI chief rejected military intervention in politics, stating that if political workers cannot interfere in the military’s domain, then by Islamic law, the military should also not interfere in political matters.
“We are raising principled objections on matters, not hurling abuses at anyone,” he said.
Maulana called for opposition parties to adopt a unified stance within parliament to prevent further deterioration.
Speaking on international issues, he criticized the West’s emphasis on moderation while ignoring Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians. He also pointed out that the United States bombed Afghanistan for 20 years without facing any international restraint.
On domestic security, Maulana raised alarm over serious law and order problems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He claimed the police chain of command has broken down, with officers establishing peace committees and moving around without uniforms.
Regarding the proposed creation of new provinces, Rahman opposed the move, stating that conditions are not suitable. He claimed the real motivation behind breaking up provinces is to reduce their share of revenues under the National Finance Commission award following the 18th Amendment.
“Mineral resources within provinces belong to the local populations, but there are attempts to take control of them,” he said, adding that these are the two objectives behind the division of provinces.
JUI chief also criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for undertaking foreign visits while bloodshed continues in the country.
He welcomed the formation of an Islamic bloc comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, saying it represents a step toward reducing the Islamic world’s dependence on the United States.
Rahman concluded by condemning what he described as an atmosphere of coercion in the country, saying Islam opposes such conditions. He also criticized double standards in loyalty, stating it is wrong to honor only those loyal to individuals while labeling those loyal to Pakistan as traitors.
