Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazal (JUI-F), has expressed his disapproval of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) call for a protest, deeming the timing as ill-suited. In a conversation with a private TV channel, Rehman stated that while PTI has the right to protest, it should adopt a more strategic approach. He further emphasized the importance of handling political differences with moderation.
Rehman pointed to his party's own history of peaceful marches, including million marches, asserting that protests should be peaceful and well-planned. He suggested that the current political climate might not be the best time for such actions, underscoring the importance of timing and strategy in political movements.
Additionally, Rehman discussed the rise of terrorism in Pakistan, particularly after the 9/11 attacks, attributing the escalation to the US military presence in Pakistan. He criticized former president Pervez Musharraf for prioritizing US approval over national interests, which he believes kept Pakistan embroiled in the war on terror for over two decades.
In another recent statement, Rehman also blamed politicians for weakening democracy in Pakistan, suggesting that internal political missteps have contributed significantly to the democratic instability in the country.
Key Points:
- Rehman criticized PTI’s protest call for its poor timing.
- He advocated for moderation and strategic thinking in political protests.
- He condemned Pakistan’s involvement in the war on terror, blaming Musharraf's policies.
- He also emphasized the role of politicians in undermining democracy.
Rehman’s remarks reflect his ongoing stance on the need for careful political strategies and national interest prioritization.