ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), made a surprising claim that the former director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt. Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed offered him the position of chairman of the Senate. Fazl revealed this during an informal interaction with senior journalists in Peshawar.
According to Fazlur Rehman, the ex-spymaster had initially requested a meeting, but he declined. Fazl later met with the former ISI chief but did not disclose specific details about the meeting. Fazl quoted the ISI chief as saying, “I want to see you as a member and chairman of the Senate.” However, Fazl claimed he declined the offer because the former ISI chief wanted him to implement changes he disagreed with.
Fazl accused the establishment of dividing the opposition in the country after he declined the offer. Fazl stated that all political parties agreed on the point that the 2018 elections were rigged. He believed the opposition should not have taken the oath, considering the assembly to be “fake.” According to Fazl, JUI-F believed the opposition should have protested on the streets to pressure the government instead of joining assemblies.
Fazl clarified that the ruling alliance would leave the government after completing its tenure next month. Fazl acknowledged the challenges and difficulties of conducting elections after the government’s tenure in an uncertain environment. He emphasized the need for a smooth transition and a fair electoral process.
Fazl revealed that he was not consulted or informed about the discussions in Dubai regarding the recent political meetings in the UAE. Last month, senior leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) held meetings in Dubai to discuss important political matters. Such an effective decision-making process did not include Fazl, which he expressed his disappointment about.
