MUZAFFARGARH: JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman has claimed that former prime minister Imran Khan was “imposed” upon the country and his agenda was to “destroy the economy”.

While addressing an election gathering in Tehsil Jatoi of Muzaffargarh on Friday, the JUI-F chief also lamented that Pakistan’s religious identity has been eroded in the past 76 years.

Without naming him, Maulana Fazl censured the former PM, saying that after the 2018 elections, “an illegitimate assembly and illegitimate ruler” came to power.

JUI-F emir links economic growth with preservation of human rights

“Besides deception and lies, what else did you [Imran] do?” he asked rhetorically, adding that the growth rate fell below zero when the ex-PM was in power.

Calling upon people to use the power of the vote to usher a change, Maulana Fazl warned that there was no more time left for experimentation and that people should “realise their responsibilities” to carve a better future for themselves. He added upholding rights is necessary for social uplift and economic growth and that time has arrived to “carve a new future”.

He said Pakistan needs the system of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah and that most of the issues faced by the country were due to “our divergence from Islamic teachings”.

Criticising the prevailing political system, Mr Rehman said politicians bargain with people during election days, but his party, the JUI-F, engages in social service throughout the year.

The JUI-F chief was campaigning on behalf of ex-provincial minister and former MPA Syed Haroon Sultan Bukhari, who had quit PPP and joined Mr Rehman’s party on the day of submitting nomination papers.

Maulana Fazl said JUI-F didn’t ally with anyone but allowed its district chapters to plan seat adjustments with other parties.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024

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