Parliament has become meaningless due to politicians: Fazl

LAHORE: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUIP) head Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged political forces to move beyond politics of revenge, stressing that issues should be resolved through negotiations.

Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, he said, “As a political person, I firmly believe in dialogue. Politicians should not be sent behind bars.”

About past political practices, the Maulana stressed the need for free and fair elections, devoid of manipulation. He criticised the prevailing attitude of political leaders and said, “Parliament has become meaningless due to the negative attitude of politicians. Their role has not been satisfactory, as they have compromised democracy and its principles.”

The JUIP leader expressed his commitment to ideological politics, distinguishing his stance from opportunistic practices.

Addressing broader geopolitical concerns, he criticised the undue attention given to US President-elect Donald Trump and remarked, “America was defeated and it fled this region.”

Reiterating the intertwined destinies of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Fazlur Rehman said, “Afghanistan and Pakistan are inseparable; both are essential for each other. Disputes among neighbours are natural, but are usually resolved amicably. We must not let emotions dictate our state policies.”

The Maulana also expressed concerns about establishment’s interference in political processes, stating, “The establishment has no connection with ideology. Their interference in politics aims to consolidate authority.

There is no doubt that institutions manage elections and install governments of their choice. Politicians, too, have made compromises in this regard.”

He also called for re-evaluating political and institutional practices to ensure the integrity of democratic systems and the sovereignty of the parliament.