ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam declared in an interview with private digital media platform that he would rather leave country than submit to establishment.

“Establishment has deliberately divided our strength in elections,” Rehman said, criticising manipulation in political process. “We are witnessing forced adjustments in government formation,” he added.

He claimed that more rigging occurred in 2024 elections than in 2018, leading to an enforced adjustment in forming government. “Even now, it is minority representation that is governing,” he noted.

“Besides fulfilling numbers for government, PPP has no role,” Fazl stated, accusing establishment of managing situation. “We are on ground against this.” He announced initiation of nationwide movement, with public rally scheduled for June 1 in Muzaffargarh, Punjab.

“We have spent our entire lives supporting this democratic system,” he said, but added, “From this country to America, democracy is just façade.” He reiterated his opposition to establishment’s political interference, which he has opposed since 2018.

“Establishment is determined to achieve their desired results at any cost,” he said. “Regardless of how public perceives it, we do not accept this.”

“We cannot live as slaves,” Rehman asserted. “If it comes to it, we will leave country, but we will not accept subjugation by establishment.”

“This region should unite to form an Asia bloc, but establishment remains biggest obstacle,” he said. Regarding India, he noted, “Our dispute with India was over Kashmir. Now that Kashmir has been given to them, this conflict should end.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 25 2024

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