CHARSADDA: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief mulana Fazalur Rahman on Thursday criticised what he described as undue influence over the electoral process, questioned the government’s economic policies and called for dialogue-based solutions to regional and domestic challenges while addressing the large gathering “Shaheed-i-Islam Maulana Muhammad Idrees Conference” in Charsadda.

Speaking to a large gathering, Mr Rehman said JUI-F represented a movement rooted in more than two centuries of religious and political struggle and sacrifices. He maintained that attempts to suppress an ideology through violence had historically failed, arguing that the sacrifices of party workers and religious scholars only strengthened their cause.

The JUI-F chief alleged that genuine democracy remained elusive in the country and claimed that elected institutions continued to face interference from unelected quarters.

He said public mandates should be respected and asserted that elections were being influenced in a manner that undermined democratic norms.

Referring to recent elections, Mr Rehman claimed that his party’s mandate had been adversely affected. He also alleged that offers regarding participation in government had been made to his party, but said JUI-F would not accept any arrangement unless the sanctity of the public mandate was ensured.

Discussing regional affairs, Mr Rehman questioned aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to neighbouring Afghanistan and Iran.

He stressed the need for dialogue and political engagement, saying that disputes and conflicts should be addressed through negotiations rather than force.

On economy, the JUI-F chief criticised the government’s fiscal policies, alleging that international financial institutions exerted significant influence over budgetary decisions. He said new taxes were being imposed on citizens while corruption and inefficiencies within state institutions remained inadequately addressed.

Mr Rehman also reiterated his party’s longstanding demand for the elimination of interest-based financial practices, saying constitutional provisions and recommendations made by the Council of Islamic Ideology should be given practical effect.

He expressed concern over what he described as a lack of progress towards implementing previously agreed timelines regarding reforms in the financial system.

The JUI-F leader further criticised privileges enjoyed by sections of the ruling elite, arguing that ordinary citizens were facing inflation, unemployment and economic hardship while influential groups continued to benefit from special concessions. He said accountability and the rule of law should apply equally to all segments of society.

Reaffirming his party’s commitment to what he termed a constitutional and democratic struggle, Mr Rehman warned that political instability could deepen if public mandates were not respected. He announced that after holding major public gatherings in different parts of the country, JUI-F would continue its political campaign including a planned public meeting in Kasur.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026