Fazl announces nationwide protest against inflation, rally set for April 12

Maulana Fazlur Rehman – (Web Desk) – Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), on Monday announced a nationwide protest campaign, hitting out at the government over skyrocketing inflation and the latest surge in petrol prices. He made the announcement during a press conference in Peshawar.

Speaking to the media, Fazlur Rehman said that JUI-F’s central council had carefully assessed the situation both at home and abroad, expressing deep concern over the growing frustration among ordinary Pakistanis toward the current government and state institutions.

He said the recent petrol price hike had delivered a serious blow to the common man, making daily life even harder for millions of struggling families across the country.

Fazlur Rehman announced that JUI-F will hold protests at district headquarters throughout Pakistan this coming Friday, with the formal launch of the protest movement scheduled to kick off from Mardan on April 12.

The JUI-F chief also took a firm stance against what he described as legislation that goes against Islamic values, particularly laws related to domestic violence. He further criticised the government for repeatedly ignoring the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology, claiming they were being kept out of parliament despite consistent demands from his party.

Fazl termed the current setup a “fake government.” He further criticised the state of governance, pointing to deteriorating law and order and what he described as contradictory policies by provincial authorities regarding security operations.

On foreign policy, he alleged that Pakistan’s leadership was under external influence, criticising the role of the United States and its support for Israel, while referring to ongoing regional conflicts. He also expressed concern over the closure of western and eastern borders, saying it was adversely affecting trade.

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Commenting on the electoral process, Fazlur Rehman reiterated allegations of irregularities in the 2024 elections, claiming that results did not reflect the actual mandate of voters.

He said his party would continue to raise its voice on issues including inflation, governance and legislation, adding that JUI-F’s struggle was based on its ideological stance.