Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has convened a crucial meeting of its General Council in Peshawar on September 19 and 20 to deliberate on whether to participate in the PTI’s protest. Maulana Fazlur Rehman will preside over the meeting. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has earlier clarified that his party’s engagement with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is limited to parliamentary affairs and does not constitute a broader political alliance between the two parties.
Speaking during a visit to the residence of veteran journalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami in Lahore in the past week, Fazlur Rehman said JUI-F and PTI were cooperating within Parliament on certain matters, but their understanding should not be interpreted as a formal political partnership at the grassroots level.
The JUI-F chief also addressed tensions between the federal government and the provinces, linking the issue to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. He pointed out that the Constitution provides for an increase in the provinces’ share under the NFC framework but does not permit a reduction in that share. Commenting on the country’s deteriorating law and order situation, Fazlur Rehman urged political forces to focus on the immediate challenges facing the country.
Fazlur Rehman further claimed that the writ of the federal government had weakened in three provinces. He also alleged that the Centre was attempting to gain control over mineral resources that constitutionally belonged to the provinces.
JI Emir contacts Fazlur Rehman, Sohail Afridi
On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman held separate telephone conversations with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, discussing the country’s political situation, rising inflation and growing public concerns over the petroleum levy. The leaders reviewed the economic difficulties faced by the public and exchanged views on possible joint political efforts to highlight issues affecting ordinary citizens.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman strongly criticised the government’s decision to impose what he described as an excessive petroleum levy, calling it an unfair burden on the people. He urged opposition parties to join hands and mount a stronger political campaign against inflation and other issues of public concern. The JI Emir said his party was continuing to play its role in raising the genuine grievances of citizens at the national level.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed support for the JI’s campaign against the petroleum levy, praising its position on issues related to public welfare. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also endorsed the JI’s efforts to champion public rights, calling for immediate and meaningful relief for citizens from the impact of the petroleum levy, according to a statement issued by the JI spokesperson.