Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned that as long as the establishment remains the “sole decision-maker,” Pakistan’s problems will continue to escalate. He urged authorities to engage with politicians rather than pushing matters to a point where “all paths are closed.”
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, he criticized what he called the “one-sided” governance by the establishment, stating, “If a handful of individuals continue to make all the decisions, the system cannot function properly. Sit with the politicians and talk. Do not push matters to a point where we have no options left.”
‘No State Writ’ in KP and Balochistan
Commenting on the security situation, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said there is essentially no state writ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. He alleged that armed groups have established bases along roadsides, controlling streets at night. “Where is the state?” he asked.
He further expressed alarm at militants’ free movement in KP: “Militants move about openly. What should I think about our army and defense capabilities? … In my own village, militants roam freely,” he said, adding that if he were targeted, “my security detail would be insufficient.”
Turning to Balochistan, the JUI-F leader said, “If the Baloch were to declare separation today, people would support them. This is the reality on the ground.”
He suggested that the state must acknowledge the extent of discontent in the region and address it realistically.
Criticism of Pakistan’s Kashmir and Afghanistan Policies
Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticized the Pakistan’s handling of the Kashmir issue, contending that Pakistan’s policy has effectively “given away Kashmir” while still observing February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day.
“We are betraying history. We have abandoned the Kashmiris, and Modi’s demographic changes could not be stopped,” he said.
Addressing rising tensions with Afghanistan, he denied that Afghans alone are responsible for attacks on Pakistani territory. Recalling past policies, he charged that Islamabad once encouraged jihad, granted airbases to foreign forces, and allowed strikes on Afghanistan.
“Did anyone from Afghanistan ask why attacks were launched from Pakistan? Now the entire blame is on Afghanistan—and our own religious seminaries,” he said.
FATF Measures and Madrasah Crackdowns
The JUI-F leader then criticized Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations, arguing that while the stated goal is to prevent money laundering, the real targets appear to be religious seminaries.
“Security personnel visit madrasas in uniform, manipulate answers, and present them selectively. There is a law for madrasah registration from the federal government—has any province been told to legislate on it?” he questioned.
He concluded by pledging to defend religious institutions and tribal rights, warning that continued state failures would only deepen unrest.
“If the government and establishment cannot fix these issues, the country will continue to suffer,” he said.