ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rehman the Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl has called for the release of Imran Khan, urging that he be allowed to play his political role, while raising concerns over governance, foreign policy, and electoral processes in the country.
According to the detail, he was Speaking during a special sitting with senior journalists on Tuesday, Fazlur Rehman said there had been contacts with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but no meaningful outcome had been achieved so far.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned Gulf countries that hosting US military bases has brought them harm rather than security benefits, and stressed the need for a reassessment of regional policies. He also appreciated the defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, calling it a positive step. discussing global tensions, Fazlur Rehman said Pakistan is playing a key role in preventing a wider conflict through mediation efforts.
However, he cautioned that the current international situation could escalate into a world war if major powers become directly involved.
“The rise of current rulers is temporary; there is a need for long-term policy improvements,” he said.
On regional dynamics, he noted that Pakistan appears to be moving quickly on certain issues, while Afghanistan requires more time, creating complications that are worsening the situation.
The JUI-F chief criticised the handling of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, claiming that the project was halted during Imran Khan’s tenure and remains stalled. He questioned the continuity of policies affecting CPEC and Pakistan’s relations with China, asking who is responsible for maintaining this trajectory.
Fazl also raised concerns over electoral processes, alleging that the elections of 2018 and 2024 reflected similar patterns, which he said continue to be evident in by-elections in areas such as Quetta, Ziarat, and Kalat.
He remarked that, unlike in other countries where rigging allegations target governments or politicians, in Pakistan such claims are directed at institutions, which he described as a troubling trend.
He further criticised the continuity of policies regarding religious seminaries, stating that approaches from the era of Pervez Musharraf to the governments of Imran Khan and the present administration remain largely unchanged. Despite legislation on madrassa registration, he alleged that institutions are neither being registered nor allowed to operate bank accounts, and are being pressured to join government-controlled boards.
Commenting on global political systems, Fazlur Rehman said traditional distinctions between communism and democracy are fading, with governance increasingly shaped by a mix of capitalism, authoritarianism, and militarism.
Senior party leaders, including Aslam Ghauri, Maulana Amjad Khan, Maulana Safiullah, Hafiz Naseer Ahrar, Tariq Khan Baloch, Hafiz Ghazanfar Aziz, Asid Khawaja, and Saeed Ahmed Chachar, were also present on the occasion.
