JUI-F chief blames politicians for unrest

He lamented that JUI-F faced backlash because it refused to incite division among the people.

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MULTAN:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that ever since politics transitioned from the hands of religious scholars to politicians, bloodshed and unrest have persisted.

He lamented that the religio-political party faced backlash because it refused to incite division and conflict among the people.

Addressing a gathering in Multan, the cleric-politician said ever since the reins of politics have been handed to the non-religious leadership, chaos and divisions have followed.

"From the 19th century to the mid-20th century, when the leadership of Muslims in the subcontinent was in the hands of religious scholars, there wasn't a single instance of conflict arising from sectarian issues like Deobandi-Barelvi differences," he recalled.

"There was no unrest, no internal fighting. Under their leadership, there was complete peace and unity in the Muslim Ummah," he said.

He contrasted it with the current political landscape, stating, "Ever since politics fell into the hands of politicians after the scholars, bloodshed and unrest have plagued us. This politics has birthed hatred, discord, and conflict."

"We are criticised because we don't pit people against one another. We have never abandoned our identity as Sunnis, Hanafis, or Deobandis, but we engage with the public to foster unity and humanity."

"Others, however, have turned these identities into mere brands," he said, lamenting how some religious groups have now resorted to insulting other sects and stirring up the stage, and then calling it a great service. "This is not the way of our elders."