Fazl warns 'establishment' not to cross lines

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned that if his party decides to march to the federal capital, the bullets of opponents may run out, but his party's resolve will not waver.

"We are not mummy-daddy types to flee. Those in uniform and agencies should listen and stop threatening us. Stay within your limits; no one is tougher than us," he asserted. He said his party had been deceived, defrauded, and betrayed about the religious seminaries' bill.

"The agreement has been violated. This is not a government of the people, but of the establishment. We are not the ones rejecting Pakistan's ideology—the 'establishment' is. You have chosen a path to destroy and dismantle Pakistan, a country to which you have contributed neither its creation nor its preservation."

The JUI-F chief was addressing an anti-Israel rally in Peshawar on Sunday. Other leaders, including the central general secretary Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, Maulana Asad Mahmood, Maulana Rashid Mahmood, provincial leader Maulana Ataur Rahman, and Hamas Spokesperson Dr Naji Zaheer, also spoke.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasised in his speech that they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Palestinian people in their struggle, and want to remind them that they have unwavering support.

"Through this unprecedented and historic gathering, we have sent a clear message to the world that Palestine belongs to the Palestinians."

He criticised Western countries for their atrocities during World Wars I and II, killing millions, and highlighted the ongoing massacres of Muslims in the Arab world and Afghanistan. He condemned the killing of 50,000 Palestinians and bombings of innocent children, blaming countries like the UK and the USA for supporting this genocide while hypocritically speaking of human rights. "You are the murderers of human rights," he declared.

Fazlur Rehman slammed General Musharraf's policies, such as "allowing the US access to bases and airspace", stating that JUI-F protested against these at the time and would do so again if such actions were repeated.

He questioned why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly supported Israel, while the government here hesitates to oppose it outright. He called for unity, saying JUI represents the people's voice and fights for Pakistan's sovereignty, protection, and stability.

He condemned the establishment for undermining Pakistan's ideology and claimed that clerics are the true defenders of Pakistan. He warned the government against attempting to amend sensitive issues such as the finality of prophethood and boasted of their role in curbing the influence of Qadianis. He revealed that the 26th Amendment bill, which would have severely harmed the nation, had its wings clipped due to his party's efforts.

Fazlur Rehman accused the government of violating agreements on the registration and administrative structure of religious seminaries. He stated that seminaries agreed to align with the Ministry of Education, but not operate under its direct control.

He lashed out at the government for misleading the media and spreading false information about seminaries, saying they remain committed to a transparent registration process.

He reiterated that JUI-F's resolve is unshaken and warned the establishment not to send threats, as such actions only provoke resistance.

He also mentioned a discussion with Mufti Taqi Usmani, who advised preparing an action plan for the future, urging supporters to be ready for a call to mobilise.