Justice delayed is justice denied: Fazl

MULTAN: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday said delays in delivering justice amounted to its denial.

He made these remarks while responding to questions after addressing a large gathering at the JUIF workers convention and Jamia Qasimul Uloom convocation. He was asked about repeated adjournments in the £190 million case involving PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse.

On another query regarding Afghan forces’ attacks on borders that have resulted in deaths of Pakistani soldiers and citizens, he stated: “If the rulers make an effort to resolve the issue, it can be resolved through mutual consultation and understanding.”

Regarding the situation in Parachinar, he dismissed the notion of sectarian conflict, calling it a property dispute instead. He expressed confusion over why the tensions in Parachinar were being linked to other cities, such as Karachi.

He expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where people are caught between armed groups and security operations, leading to displacement. He argued that the country was free from sectarian hatred when Ulema played a leadership role in politics.

He accused certain groups of promoting sectarian division and criticized the commercialization of religious schools of thought. He emphasized that the JUIF always worked to unite the nation and would continue its struggle against divisive forces.

He criticized the 26th Amendment which he claimed was introduced in parliament without proper consultation. He described it as a "black snake" and accused the government of creating difficulties for madrasas.