ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has criticised the political leadership that succeeded religious scholars, accusing them of fostering divisions and perpetuating bloodshed in Pakistan.
Speaking at a gathering in Multan, Rehman said that during the era when the subcontinent’s Muslim leadership was in the hands of scholars, there was harmony and unity among communities.
“Show me one instance from the time of our elders when sectarian conflicts occurred,” he said.
Rehman accused modern politics of breeding hatred, unrest, and factionalism. He alleged that JUI faces persecution for promoting peace rather than instigating disputes.
“We haven’t abandoned our identity as Sunnis, Hanafis, or Deobandis, but our focus remains on uniting the nation and speaking for humanity,” he added.
He also condemned the commercialisation of sectarian identities, saying, “Even Deobandism has become a trade now. This divisive approach was never part of our elders’ teachings.” Rehman reaffirmed JUI’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that his speeches in parliament represent all schools of thought within the Muslim community.
Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Monday the Muslim Ummah remained united when religious scholars led it, but once politics fell into the hands of others, bloodshed began.
Addressing the Ulema Convention, the JUI’s head expressed concerns over the current state of politics, describing it as rife with discord, strife, hatred, and conflict.
“On the political front, our mission is to guide people. We advocate unity within the nation and the cause of humanity,” he commented.
Highlighting JUI’s role, he said, “We hold a significant parliamentary position; the Constitution and Parliament belong to us.”
Referring to the 26th Amendment, he compared the draft to a “black snake,” adding that its first target was Article 8 of the Constitution.
The JUI chief further elaborated, “We fought this battle with logic and compelled the government to withdraw 34 provisions of the draft.”
Earlier, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Saturday better economic indicators were mere eyewash without trickle-down effect for the masses.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the government needed to provide relief to the masses reeling under economic constraints.
He said things would improve only when rupee gained strength.
He said everyone needed to be on board to improve the lot of people and all issues solved through consensus.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had not taken JUI-F into confidence on dialogue. “The JUI-F doesn’t know what is going on in negotiation meetings,” he added. –Agencies
