Fazlur Rehman raises concerns over 'state of democracy'

JUI-F chief says he knows how to resolve the Kurram issue as it is a decades-old tribal conflict.

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and parliamentary politics in Pakistan, saying thousands of questions are being raised about the country’s political system, Express News reported.

Speaking at an event in Peshawar on Monday, he stressed that while his party is committed to adapting to changing circumstances, it has never compromised on the ideological principles of its forefathers. He reaffirmed that the creation of an Islamic state in Pakistan remains a key part of his party’s parliamentary agenda.

The JUI-F chief vowed to continue his struggle for Islam as the political leadership of all the school of thoughts played a pivotal role in peace and harmony.

On the ongoing tribal conflict in Kurram, the JUI-F chief noted that while the issue has persisted for over two decades, it has not spread to major cities like Peshawar and Kohat, though it has reached as far as Karachi. He conveyed confidence that the issue can be resolved, while stressing that attempts to stir tensions within the community should be avoided.

"Questions about our democracy and parliamentary politics are numerous," Rehman stated, adding that the political leadership of all religious schools of thought has worked towards fostering religious harmony and upholding Islamic values within the constitutional framework.

He highlighted that the majority of Islamic laws in Pakistan have been enacted with the consultation of the Islamic Ideological Council, but expressed concerns over the lack of Islamic knowledge among some members of parliament. He argued that this has allowed sectarian elements to gain influence in Pakistan's political landscape.

In closing, Rehman warned against misleading the public, stressing that while his party has always sought to ease tensions, provocations continue to occur. Despite receiving calls to resort to violence, he reiterated that his party remains committed to peaceful efforts for resolving the nation’s issues.