Govt tactics pushing people towards revolt: Fazl

Islamabad is facing mounting debt and inflation, which has led the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman to express concern that the government's tactics to prevent protests will only stir rebellious feelings among the populace. At a news conference following a central council meeting of his party, the JUI-F chief urged parliament to be consulted on major national and international policies, highlighting that the nation is experiencing a crucial turning point.

He also advocated for an in-camera parliamentary session on regional security matters. The JUI-F leader criticized the government's preemptive placement of containers in Islamabad ahead of demonstrations, stating that such actions create rebels. Fazl emphasized that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has the right to protest and that the JUI-F had organized marches in the past without causing harm to public property, including during the Lahore March where Metro Bus services continued to operate.

When asked about mediation, the JUI-F chief declined, noting that his party has reservations about the current government. He stated that dialogue can occur only with a representative of the government and that the government should engage with the protesters. The JUI-F chief labeled the hybrid government as a military representative and stressed that political dialogue necessitates a government with genuine political authority.

He denounced the arrest of the PTI's sister members, asserting that political workers and parties should be permitted to exercise their constitutional right to organize protest rallies. Criticizing the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the JUI-F chief questioned the circumstances surrounding a provincial minister allegedly being shot and taken away.

He expressed willingness to consider provincial autonomy but emphasized that the conversation should be framed within the constitutional framework from 25 years ago. The JUI-F chief recalled the party's role in resolving Pakistan-India relations in 2003 and suggested that its past efforts should be taken into account while discussing present political and diplomatic options.

He also alleged that China has lost confidence in the country, highlighting that the nation is grappling with internal challenges and is in a precarious position.