Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) has once again voiced concerns about the current members of the federal government, questioning their representation of the people. JUI-F is calling for fresh elections, insisting that the public should have the opportunity to choose their true representatives. The party maintains that the February 9 general elections were not conducted fairly.
Following the elections, the JUI-F distanced itself from its former allies, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), amid allegations of election interference. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who led the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in successfully ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022, is now in discussions with Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to develop a strategy for new elections.
“Those in Parliament are not focusing on the needs of the masses,” Rehman remarked during a traders’ convention in Peshawar. He criticised the government for the country’s declining economic and security situation, pointing out that Pakistan is lagging behind its regional neighbors. Rehman also condemned the government for imposing heavy taxes, which have burdened the public and drawn criticism from opposition parties, adding that “the only thing left to be taxed is breathing.”
Rehman highlighted that Jamat-e-Islami (JI) is also advocating for tax reductions. The party recently ended a nearly two-week-long protest sit-in in Rawalpindi after reaching an agreement with the federal government.
“Why should we pay taxes when people know the funds will be used to repay foreign loans?” Rehman questioned, expressing doubt over the current state of governance. “This is not how a country should be run; politicians should be leading with the people’s best interests at heart.”
Continuing his criticism, Rehman reminded that he had warned Mian Nawaz Sharif about the country’s economic collapse. He questioned the importation of sub-standard wheat despite local farmers having sufficient stock. Rehman called for better support for traders and farmers, arguing that the country’s stability depends on a strong economy.
Rehman also expressed concerns about the appointment of finance ministers in the past, stating that the finance ministry “has been handed to outsiders.” He referenced the rise of a former prime minister with an unclear background, indirectly alluding to Moeen Qureshi. He raised concerns about decision-making processes, suggesting that real power lies behind the scenes.
“The country is facing a critical situation,” Rehman warned, emphasizing that his party could contribute to strengthening the economy. “Our focus should be on achieving peace and economic stability,” he concluded.
