Fazlur Rehman criticizes attempt to block Islamabad — Dawn

In Islamabad, Pakistan, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the authorities’ attempt to block the capital ahead of protests could intensify rebellious sentiment among the population. He made the statement at a press conference following a meeting of his party’s central council, Dawn reports.

According to Rehman, the country is going through a difficult period due to growing debt pressure and inflation. He called for parliament to be involved in discussions of important national and foreign policy issues, as well as for a closed parliamentary session on the regional security situation.

Protests and dialogue

The politician said that some parties had announced protest actions, after which the authorities placed containers in Islamabad. In his view, such actions could push people toward disobedience. Rehman also noted that PTI has the right to hold protests.

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The JUI-F leader declined an offer to mediate political dialogue. He explained this by saying that his party is in opposition and is itself a party to the political dispute. In his view, negotiations are possible with the participation of a government that has real political powers.

Statements on the situation in the country

Rehman condemned the detention of the sisters of PTI’s founder and said that political workers and parties should be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to hold protest rallies. He also criticized the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, questioning the circumstances under which, according to him, a provincial minister was allegedly shot at and taken away.

Commenting on reports of possible constitutional changes, Rehman said he would welcome provincial autonomy, but called for the issue to be discussed with regard to the constitutional status that existed 25 years ago. He also claimed that Pakistan had lost Beijing’s trust and that state institutions were taking a defensive position amid serious internal challenges.