WEB DESK: Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Monday announced a nationwide protest campaign against rising inflation, particularly the increase in petroleum prices, while delivering a strongly worded critique of the government during a press conference in Peshawar on Monday.
Addressing the media, Fazlur Rehman said the party’s central council had reviewed the domestic and international situation and expressed concern over what he termed growing public dissatisfaction with the current government and state institutions.
He alleged that the recent hike in petroleum prices had “shaken the public” and worsened the hardships of ordinary citizens.
He announced that JUI-F would stage protests at district headquarters across the country next Friday, with a protest movement set to begin from Mardan on April 12.
The JUI-F chief also criticised the government for introducing what he described as laws “against Sharia,” including legislation on domestic violence, and claimed that recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology were not being presented in parliament despite repeated demands.
Fazl termed the current setup a “fake government.” He further criticised the state of governance, pointing to deteriorating law and order and what he described as contradictory policies by provincial authorities regarding security operations.
On foreign policy, he alleged that Pakistan’s leadership was under external influence, criticising the role of the United States and its support for Israel, while referring to ongoing regional conflicts. He also expressed concern over the closure of western and eastern borders, saying it was adversely affecting trade.
Commenting on the electoral process, Fazlur Rehman reiterated allegations of irregularities in the 2024 elections, claiming that results did not reflect the actual mandate of voters.
He said his party would continue to raise its voice on issues including inflation, governance and legislation, adding that JUI-F’s struggle was based on its ideological stance.
