Chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday issued a stern warning to the federal government, claiming that his party could “take over Islamabad within a week’s notice” if pushed to the brink.
Addressing the Shaair-e-Islam Conference in Battagram, the JUI-F chief said his party rejected both the 2018 and the 2024 general elections, describing them as “fraudulent and manipulated.” He accused the ruling coalition of lacking legitimacy and warned the establishment against ignoring the public’s will.
“These kinds of governments cannot last,” Rehman said. “Those who consider themselves powerful should bow before the will of the people.”
Claiming that his party stands for constitutional supremacy, the JUI-F leader vowed to lead a movement that would bring about a “revolution” in the country. “We want rule of law and the Constitution. JUI-F workers will be in the field, and success will be ours, because the power of Allah is with us,” he added.
Taking a strong anti-US stance, Fazl accused Washington of hypocrisy and betrayal. “The same America that abandoned us many times is now asking to join hands again, invoking the name of Prophet Ibrahim (AS),” he said. “But how can we forget America’s role in the oppression of Muslims in Palestine, Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan?”
Referring to recent praise for US President Donald Trump by the government, he criticised the prime minister’s nomination of Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. “Our view is clear: if Trump exists, peace does not — and if peace exists, Trump does not,” he said.
The JUI-F chief also expressed solidarity with Iran in opposition to Israel and pledged readiness to defend the sanctity of the holy sites. “We are committed to the unity of the Muslim Ummah and ready to protect the Haramain,” he said.
Warning of dire consequences, he said his party was being “forced” toward a confrontation. “We prioritise national security, but if the need arises, we will declare jihad and lay down our lives for this country’s defence,” he asserted.
Reiterating his rejection of the prevailing political order, Fazl said his party would continue to oppose the current setup. “We did not allow the previous government to function, and we will not allow this one to function either,” he declared. “We are not willing to accept this government and will continue to stand against it.”
The conference was also addressed by senior JUI-F leaders, including Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, who alleged that the current provincial government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had “broken all records of corruption.”
