No one can do corruption without help of establishment: Fazl

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Thursday that Pakistan has become a victim of the Panama Papers conspiracy hatched by the US as no one can do corruption without the support of establishment.

“This all (Panamagate) did not unfold automatically. It was hatched at the international level in a bid to strip each other,” the JUI-F chief said while addressing a press conference here.

The Maulana said transparent and serious politics should be practised in the country. He said an environment is being created to build a narrative that dictatorship is better than democracy. He said the beginning of anarchy in the country would be through political instability just like in Afghanistan and Iraq. He said all the hue and cry is ostensibly an internal matter, however, it actually is an external conspiracy. “But our focus should be on how to rescue the country from the crisis,” he said.

The JUI-F chief lashed out against India for becoming a pawn of the world powers and occupying Kashmir. He said freedom of nations is a basic human right and if ideology and dignity are snatched from a nation, it remains no more independent. “The foreign powers are eyeing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). If you will become a ladder for China’s development, you are surely going to be a victim of conspiracies as China is being introduced in the region with an economic vision,” he said. The Maulana said India wants to create an environment of tension in the region by waging wars against Pakistan and China.

He said foreign military is and it had its eyes set on the South Asia. He said America was involved in conspiracies not only in this region but all over the world.

He also expressed remorse over the conflicts between Islamic countries and wondered when the time will come when the boundaries of Islamic world will become a symbol of coexistence just like Europe. Fazlur Rehman said the world is being forced to accept rule of Israel in the Arab world.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had important meeting with Fazlur Rehman at his residence in the Ministers Enclave. The two discussed prevailing political situation and upcoming events. Abbasi thanked the Maulana for his party’s support in the election of prime minister and assured him that important decisions would be taken through mutual consultations. 

Fazlur Rehman felicitated Premier Abbasi on assuming the office. Well-placed sources told The News that the JUI-F leader also discussed with the prime minister worsening situation in KP where the ruling PTI is rapidly losing its political ground. The prime minister also took the Maulana into confidence about the formation of the cabinet and JUI-F’s representation in the new set up, the sources said. 

Meanwhile, renowned human rights lawyer and social activist Asma Jehangir said that she was not with Nawaz Sharif but in favour of supremacy of law in the country. She said Nawaz Sharif will get relief by showing power of people. 

“I had always voted for the PPP and never supported the PML-N,” Asma Jehangir told media during a press conference here. She was of the view that in addition to capability, prestige was also important for a judge.  

She said that two civilian godfathers have been sent home which is an example of how vulnerable and miserable these godfathers are. He said that the country is in the hands of establishment and its media wing speaks through politicians.

She smelled establishment behind Supreme Court verdict disqualifying Nawaz Sharif as prime minister, adding that the Article used for sending the premier home was not applicable in this case.

Speaking about recent remarks of Azad Kashmir’s prime minister, she regretted over the language used against Raja Farooq Haider. The social activist, who is widely known for playing a prominent role in the lawyers movement, said that she has differences with Parliament. 

Speaking about Fata, she questioned whether the tribal people would ever get their basic rights. The co-founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan suggested that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through talks.