JUI-F chief warns shifting global rivalries could push world into wider conflict; calls for release of Imran Khan
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman meets senior journalists at his residence in Lahore to discuss regional and domestic political developments. Photo: Express
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday urged Gulf states to re-evaluate their security arrangements, arguing that the presence of US air bases had brought strategic risks rather than protection.
At a special meeting with senior journalists in Lahore, he warned that changing regional dynamics and intensifying global rivalries could push the world toward broader conflict. At the same time, domestic political instability and policy inconsistency continue to deepen Pakistan’s internal challenges.
“The changing regional situation and growing global rivalries may lead the world towards greater conflict,” he said, commenting on regional developments.
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While praising Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, he said Islamabad was trying to mediate to prevent a possible third world war. However, he warned: “If the escalation continues, the great powers could be drawn into a broader 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 contacts had been established with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, but that they did not lead to any results.
Fazl welcomed defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and described 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 political deadlock that is making the situation worse.”
Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he claimed that the project had stalled during Imran’s tenure and was yet to regain momentum, while questioning the continuity of the policy, saying there had been no visible change in Pakistan’s approach towards China.
Regarding the elections, he alleged that the patterns observed in the 2018 and 2024 general elections were similar and had continued in the by-elections, citing examples from Quetta, Ziarat and Kalat. He said: “Unlike other countries where accusations of manipulation are directed at political actors, in Pakistan they are directed at institutions.”
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He further stated that policies relating to religious seminaries had remained unchanged under successive governments, but their implementation remained weak and problems in registration and banking access persisted.
Analyzing global trends, he argued that both communism and democracy were weakening, and that governance was increasingly shaped by a mix of capitalism, authoritarianism, and militarization.
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.
