KARACHI: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday criticized the establishment for mocking the people’s vote and lamented its unchanging attitude.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Fazl said: “His only concern is to retain his power. If the establishment mocks the people’s vote, why shouldn’t the people mock the establishment in return”.
Claiming that the establishment ignored notions of right and wrong and focused only on maintaining power, the JUI-FK Amir asserted that the establishment’s claims to be apolitical were inherently political.
He said that martial law governments have also been successful in completing their tenure.
The JUI-F chief also highlighted a specific instance of election interference, saying: “They ensured the victory of a candidate who could not win a single polling station. Such practices are against democracy and the Constitution. continue to violate sanctity”.
The veteran politician further expressed dismay at politicians who, in his view, compromise democracy, constitutional principles and fundamental values.
“Our complaint is with political leaders who fail to uphold democratic principles and are only interested in their own rule,” he lamented.
His comment has come at a time when the religious political party has protested against the alleged tampering in the by-election results of Balochistan Assembly Constituency PB-45.
In the recently held by-elections, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Haji Ali Madd Jatak won with 6,883 votes while Nasrullah Khan Bardich of Pashtunkhawa National Awami Party (PkMAP) came second with 4,122 votes.
JUI(F) candidate Mir Muhammad Usman Peerkani stood third with 3731 votes.
On other issues, Fazal said that all national issues should be resolved through consensus.
“We have to improve the country. [existing] system,” he said.
Speaking on education reforms, the JUI-F leader said that parliamentary legislation has already been passed to regulate and register madrassas, and acknowledged that their registration would be through a presidential ordinance. Relief is provided in the process.
“We do not object to these reforms, but we must ensure that they respect the autonomy of these institutions,” he stressed.
Regarding recent developments, Politico revealed that his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was of a personal nature.
“He often visits my residence, and our conversations are private,” he clarified.
Commenting on the economy, he emphasized transparency, saying: “The truth about the economic condition of the country should come out”.
Reiterating his respect for Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Fazal took a jibe at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and said: “Though he is the Federal Education Minister, he often studies at my house. come for ‘various problems.