Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F) head Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged political forces to move beyond the politics of revenge, emphasizing that issues should be resolved through negotiation.
Speaking to the media, he stated, “As a political person, I firmly believe in dialogue. Politicians should not be behind bars.”
Reflecting on past political practices, Maulana Fazlur Rehman urged the need for free and fair elections, devoid of manipulation.
He criticized the prevailing attitude of political leaders and said, “Parliament has become meaningless due to the negative attitudes of politicians. Their role has not been satisfactory, as they have compromised democracy and its principles.”
The JUI-F leader expressed his commitment to ideological politics, distinguishing his stance from opportunistic practices.
Addressing broader geopolitical concerns, he criticized the undue attention given to US President-elect Donald Trump and remarked, “America was defeated and fled from this region.
Reiterating the intertwined destinies of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, “Afghanistan and Pakistan are inseparable; both are essential for each other. Disputes among neighbors are natural but are usually resolved amicably. We must not let emotions dictate our state policies.”
Maulana Fazlur Rehman also expressed concerns about the establishment's interference in political processes, stating, “The establishment has no connection with ideology. Their interference in politics aims to consolidate authority. There is no doubt that institutions manage elections and install governments of their choice. Politicians, too, have made compromises in this regard.”
He also called for re-evaluating political and institutional practices to ensure the integrity of democratic systems and the sovereignty of the parliament.