ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that he has not received any formal communication from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan regarding a potential meeting.
In an informal discussion, Fazlur Rehman addressed various political matters, including his stance on Imran Khan, elections, and governance. He mentioned that if Imran Khan expresses a desire to meet, he would make a decision after carefully considering the situation.
On his relationship with PTI, the JUI-F leader clarified that while there was a working relationship at the federal level, their views often differed on provincial issues. He particularly highlighted the troubling security situation in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Tank, where ongoing terrorism had worsened the conditions. He noted that courts and government offices had been moved from Tank to Dera Ismail Khan as a result.
Regarding governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the weak presence of the government, emphasizing that the government’s authority was barely visible in the region.
The JUI-F chief also expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions surrounding the general elections, asserting that his party’s concerns about being sidelined were legitimate. He mentioned that while some individuals were manipulated during the elections, his party had refused to be used in such a manner.
On the topic of the 26th Amendment, Fazlur Rehman underscored that it focused on strengthening institutions rather than personalities. He also addressed the seminary registration bill, stating that unnecessary complications had been introduced, although the matter was now being resolved in a cooperative manner.
Earlier on December 27, Maulana Fazlur Rehman had suspended all political activities due to health concerns. Doctors advised him to take complete bed rest and avoid walking due to swelling in his left foot. Sources revealed that the swelling occurred after he returned from a meeting with the prime minister last week.
It is noteworthy that on December 20, Maulana Fazlur Rehman had met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss concerns related to the Seminary Registration Bill. He was accompanied by JUI-F leaders Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri and Senator Kamran Murtaza.
