Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the recently launched operation “Azm-e-Istehkam,” stating that any new military operation would further weaken the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta following a meeting with National Party Chief Dr. Malik Baloch, Asghar Achakzai, Khushal Khan Kakar, and Abdul Khaliq Hazara, Rehman urged the establishment to end its dominance across all sectors.
Rehman argued that the operation would not bring stability but instead destabilize Pakistan. He emphasized, “On the same basis that the army chief is a Pakistani, I am also a Pakistani.”
He highlighted the historical resistance of local tribes against oppression, stating, “Our tribes have a 300-year history of fighting against slavery. More than 50,000 Mujahideen were martyred against the British. Was Pakistan acquired for the slavery of the generals? Will they chase us like animals forever?”
Rehman lamented the lack of state authority, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He questioned, “As soon as the sun sets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the police retreat to their stations. Despite the presence of the army and police all over the country, why are they helpless?”
Read More: Fazlur Rehman Backtracks On Gen Faiz’s Involvement In Imran Khan’s Ouster
He also criticized the structure of the apex committee, highlighting its military dominance at various administrative levels. “When it is at the tehsil level, a major sits there; at the district level, a colonel; at the provincial level, the corps commander; and at the federal level, the army chief. Is this the role of the people?” he asked.
Furthermore, Rehman took a jab at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, implying that he holds no real power. “Shehbaz Sharif will gladly accept responsibility, but he is not the prime minister. He is just sitting on the chair and is happy with that,” Rehman remarked.
