JUI-F chief warns shifting global rivalries could push world towards wider conflict; calls for Imran Khan’s release
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman meets senior journalists at his Lahore residence to discuss regional and domestic political developments. Photo: Express
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday urged Gulf states to reassess their security arrangements, arguing that the presence of United States airbases had brought strategic risks rather than protection.
Speaking at a special meeting with senior journalists in Lahore, he warned that shifting regional dynamics and intensifying global rivalries could push the world towards a broader conflict. At the same time, domestic political instability and policy inconsistency continue to deepen Pakistan’s internal challenges.
“The changing regional situation and increasing global rivalries can lead the world towards a larger conflict,” he was quoted as saying, while commenting on regional developments.
Read: FM Dar urges US-Iran to consider ceasefire extension in talks with American envoy
While hailing Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts between the US and Iran, he said Islamabad was attempting to mediate to prevent a potential third world war. However, he cautioned: “If escalation continues, major powers may be drawn into a wider confrontation.”
Commenting on domestic politics, he said former prime minister Imran Khan should be released and allowed to participate in the political process. He confirmed that contact had taken place with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, but did not lead to any outcome.
Fazl welcomed defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing it as important for regional stability.
On Afghanistan, he said: “Pakistan is seeking urgency, while Afghanistan is asking for time, and this has created a policy deadlock that is worsening the situation.”
Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he claimed the project had stalled during Imran’s tenure and had yet to regain momentum, while also questioning policy continuity, saying there had been no visible shift in Pakistan’s approach towards China.
On elections, he alleged that patterns observed in the 2018 and 2024 general elections were similar and had continued into by-elections, citing examples from Quetta, Ziarat and Kalat. He said: “Unlike other countries where rigging allegations are directed at political actors, in Pakistan they are directed at institutions.”
Also Read: SC implements new SOPs for uninterrupted judicial work during unexpected holidays
He further stated that policies regarding religious seminaries had remained unchanged across successive governments, but implementation remained weak, with issues in registration and banking access persisting.
Discussing global trends, he argued that both communism and democracy were weakening, with governance increasingly shaped by a blend of capitalism, authoritarianism and militarisation.
The session was attended by senior journalists, including Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Hafeezullah Niazi, Sohail Warraich, Iftikhar Ahmed and Habib Akram, along with party leaders Aslam Ghauri, Maulana Amjad Khan, Maulana Safiullah, Hafiz Naseer Ahrar, Tariq Khan Baloch, Hafiz Ghazanfar Aziz, Asad Khawaja and Saeed Ahmed Chachar.
