Fazlur Rehman announces nationwide protest against fuel price hike

PESHAWAR: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), announced that the recent surge in petroleum product prices has deeply affected every citizen, prompting the party to organize protest rallies next Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that a two-day meeting of JUI’s central Shura Council reviewed both national and international developments.

He emphasized that the recent fuel price hikes have disrupted the lives of ordinary people and infringed on their basic comfort.

He further demanded the repeal of laws he described as against Shariah, including those concerning domestic violence, transgender rights, and the ban on child marriages under 18 years. He also criticized ongoing preparations to grant wives a 50 percent share in their husbands’ property.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the current Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, saying it relies on the support of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and asserted that citizens have the right to raise the flag of protest against such governance. He reiterated that JUI will continue defending Islamic laws.

He announced a public gathering in Mardan on April 12 to mobilize people against the government. He also mentioned that the party requested a closed-door parliamentary session to be briefed on Pakistan’s stance in global affairs and the security of its western and eastern borders.

Addressing foreign policy issues, he stated that the United States supports Israel and has conducted attacks on Palestine, Iran, and other Islamic countries.