Fazlur Rahman criticises government over constitutional violations, political interference

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman has criticised the government over what he described as constitutional violations, military involvement in politics and worsening law and order in the country.

Speaking at a workers’ convention in Peshawar on Saturday, Fazlur Rahman said the Constitution required laws to conform with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, but regretted that the provision was not being fully implemented.

He said religious scholars had played an important role in the Constitution’s development, but accused successive governments of failing to uphold its provisions.

The JUI chief also opposed military intervention in political affairs. He argued that just as political workers should not interfere in military matters, the military should not interfere in politics.

“We are raising principled objections on matters, not hurling abuses at anyone,” he said.

Karachi Red Line project gains pace as Sindh sets September 15 road deadline

Fazlur Rahman called on opposition parties to adopt a unified position in parliament to prevent what he described as further deterioration of the country’s political situation.

On international affairs, he criticised Western calls for moderation while accusing Israel of continuing atrocities against Palestinians. He also referred to the US military campaign in Afghanistan, saying Washington had conducted a 20-year war there without facing comparable international restrictions.

The JUI chief expressed concern over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming that the police chain of command had weakened. He alleged that some officers were forming peace committees and moving without uniforms.

On proposals to create new provinces, Fazlur Rahman opposed the idea, saying current conditions were not suitable for such a move.

He claimed that attempts to divide existing provinces were partly linked to disputes over revenue distribution under the National Finance Commission award following the 18th Amendment.

He also argued that mineral resources should remain under the control of the populations of the provinces where they are located.

Fazlur Rahman criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for travelling abroad while violence and bloodshed continued inside Pakistan.

He welcomed the growing cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing the emerging Islamic bloc as a step towards reducing the Muslim world’s dependence on the United States.

The JUI chief concluded by condemning what he described as an atmosphere of coercion in Pakistan. He said Islam opposed such conditions and criticised what he called double standards in determining loyalty, arguing that those loyal to Pakistan should not be labelled traitors.