Bilawal condemns government’s treatment of JUI-F

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has criticised the government’s treatment of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), describing its actions against the opposition party as political victimisation.

During a telephone conversation with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday, Bilawal stressed that the government must accept criticism from opposition parties, saying a responsible opposition was essential for democracy and the parliamentary system.

According to a statement issued by the PPP media cell, the two leaders exchanged views on the country’s prevailing political situation. Bilawal urged the government to avoid measures that could weaken Parliament and undermine democratic institutions.

The conversation comes amid escalating political tensions between the government and JUI-F following the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Fazlur Rehman has accused the government of withdrawing from negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other opposition parties despite initially agreeing to their demands.

The JUI-F chief has also strongly opposed the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in K-P. He argued that if emergency measures were necessary, they should instead be imposed on the federal government, which he considers illegitimate.

The dispute has also intensified in Parliament, where Fazlur Rehman accused the government of violating constitutional principles. His remarks prompted a strong response from federal ministers, who questioned his political position and role in previous government formations.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also criticised the JUI-F chief for opposing governor’s rule in the province, suggesting that his stance was linked to not being offered a position in the proposed provincial political arrangement.

Meanwhile, a delegation comprising PTI and Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) representatives expressed full support for Fazlur Rehman’s speech in the National Assembly. The delegation also condemned government ministers for what it described as a campaign to malign the JUI-F chief following his criticism of the government’s decisions.