Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday strongly criticised the government’s failure to fulfil its promises, including the abolition of interest, legislation in the light of social values.
Addressing a gathering in Islamabad, Maulana Fazl warned that if the government did not stick to its words, the JUI would approach the courts, which may create problems for the rulers.
The JUI chief revealed that he persuaded the government to withdraw 35 points of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, after which the amendment was reduced to 22 points, and on this too, further reforms were proposed by him.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the Federal Shariat Court has given its final verdict to abolish interest by December 31, 2027, and now after the constitutional amendment, it has become a part of the constitution that interest will be completely abolished from January 1, 2028.
He said that if anyone appeals against this decision in the Supreme Court, the plea must be decided and implemented within a year.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticised the laws made by ignoring social values, saying that a law had been made to penalise marriages under the age of 18, but traditional values were also being ignored in the name of preventing honour killings.
“Obstacles are being created in the way of lawful marriages, but adultery is being facilitated,” Fazl alleged.
The JUI chief said that while making laws, the local customs should also be taken into account so that social values were not violated.
Maulana Fazl said that earlier recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology were only presented, now they will be debated and given due importance.
He also strongly condemned honour killings, calling them an un-Islamic and inhumane act.
Recalling the role of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal during the US invasion of Afghanistan, Maulana Fazl said, “Even then, we rendered sacrifices for the unity of the Ummah, served prison terms, but we declared it haram (forbidden) to use weapons for religious purposes in Pakistan.”
He also questioned the government’s performance and said, “Operations were carried out from Swat to Waziristan, but the displaced people were still homeless.
Criticising the lack of government writ in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. the JUI-F chief said, “Terrorists roam freely, yet no one questions them.”
Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated his stance that he stands with the Constitution and has declared armed struggle within the country as illegal and forbidden.
He said: “We need to take a bold stand, so that the country can be brought out of the current chaos.”
He said that the end of terrorism is still a long way off, and the government must seriously fulfil its promises and constitutional obligations, otherwise, the nation will continue to descend into destruction.
