Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday delivered a fiery speech in the National Assembly, raising concerns over terrorism, inflation, parliamentary authority and the country’s political direction.
Addressing the House, Fazl accused the government and establishment of failing to protect citizens and uphold democratic values. He complained that his speeches were not broadcast live to the public. “We also have the right that the public should hear our entire speech,” he said.
Referring to the deteriorating security situation, he said he felt as though he was “standing in a lake of blood” while addressing parliament. He paid tribute to religious scholars and political figures who lost their lives in terrorist attacks, including Maulana Idrees and Hassan Jan, saying many respected scholars had fallen victim to terrorism.
The JUI chief recalled the Bajaur tragedy, saying that 80 funerals were held in one gathering. He said military operations had continued for the last 15 to 20 years, yet violence persisted under different names.
Speaking on regional tensions, Fazl said India had attacked Pakistan and the country had responded effectively in defence. He added that when tensions escalated, the White House initially termed it an internal matter between India and Pakistan, but later intervened on the request of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He criticized the economic situation, saying a storm of inflation had overwhelmed the people. “Where are our economic experts?” he questioned, adding that neighbouring countries such as Iran and Afghanistan were not affected in the same way Pakistan had been.
Fazl said he had proposed an in-camera session of parliament to discuss national issues, but the government ignored the suggestion. He questioned whether parliament truly represented the people if lawmakers could not speak freely.
Criticizing the legislative process, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif headed a system where laws and amendments were introduced at will. “You have made a joke of legislation,” he said, adding that the government was helpless while the establishment had become powerful.
Addressing PPP lawmakers sitting on treasury benches, he reminded them that the 18th Amendment had been passed in their presence and powers had been transferred to provinces. He warned that parliament risked becoming a “rubber stamp” and claimed the Constitution was no longer safe.
The JUI chief said there was no effective writ of the government in his province and that neither soldiers nor civilians were safe. He described incidents in which young men were allegedly abducted and later found dead, saying, “Our blood has become so cheap.” He said there could be no business or economic stability without peace and order and questioned the country’s policies in dealing with worsening law and order.
Speaking about democracy, Fazl said serious democratic values were lacking not only in Pakistan but across the world, from America to Europe. However, he noted that Europe had not supported the ongoing war and praised the Arab world for showing patience and restraint.
He criticised the government over religious seminaries, alleging attempts were being made to take control of madrasas through the Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE). He said provincial administrations were directing seminaries to register with the authority in order to receive donations and animal hides.
“A madrasa is the only institution the government wants to take over, and God willing, it will not succeed,” he declared.
Fazl accused the government of deepening mistrust and pushing the country toward chaos instead of restoring confidence. He complained that neither the government nor the establishment had offered condolences over the killings of his associates.
“If one of your soldiers is martyred, I cry with you, and you do not even offer condolences,” he said. Concluding his speech, he warned that the situation in the country had worsened and urged the opposition to announce a walkout from the assembly.