JUI-F Leader Fazlur Rehman Accuses Pakistani Officials of US Allegiance

PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), accused Pakistani officials of being "slaves of the United States" and criticized government policies for aligning with American interests.

Rehman linked Pakistan's leadership to support for the United States and Israel, claiming the military regime backs Washington to enable what he described as US-led genocide in the Islamic world and protect Israel's "occupying regime," according to Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA).

In statements reported by Pajhwok Afghan News, Rehman specifically criticized the closure of trade routes with Afghanistan and India, as well as the introduction of laws modeled on British legislation, including on marriage. He questioned why domestic fuel prices had not fallen despite government claims of receiving oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rehman announced plans to initiate political protests against these policies starting on February 12 in Mardan, with intentions to expand them to other areas, as per RTA.

The remarks, delivered amid ongoing regional tensions, reflect deepening political divisions in Pakistan over foreign policy and economic issues. JUI-F, a major Islamist party, has frequently opposed what it sees as pro-Western shifts under the current administration.