Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said that the government is not forcing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to take to the streets. Instead, he claimed that the JUI-F leader is moving towards confrontation on his own and adopting an unnecessarily harsh stance.
Speaking during Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Talal Chaudhry addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding a notice issued to Maulana Fazlur Rehman in connection with an anti-encroachment operation in Islamabad.
The minister explained that the campaign against illegal constructions and encroachments in the federal capital has been underway for approximately one and a half years. He maintained that the operation was not recently launched and had no connection with Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s current political activities or statements.
According to Talal Chaudhry, the notice issued to the JUI-F chief was part of the ongoing administrative process and should not be linked to political disagreements between the government and Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
He emphasized that the government was not deliberately creating circumstances that would force the JUI-F leader to organize protests or launch a street movement.
During the interview, Talal Chaudhry also commented on a statement made by Rana Sanaullah regarding the situation involving Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
He said Rana Sanaullah’s remarks could reflect his personal opinion, particularly the suggestion that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif might believe the matter could cause political damage without providing any benefit.
However, Talal Chaudhry argued that if the prime minister actually held such a position, federal ministers would not be openly discussing the issue involving Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
The minister further stated that the government had no intention of pushing the JUI-F chief towards street protests. He claimed that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was unnecessarily escalating tensions and moving towards confrontation through his own political approach.
Talal Chaudhry reiterated that the anti-encroachment operation in Islamabad was an administrative matter rather than an action targeting any particular political leader.
His remarks come amid controversy over the notice issued to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with questions being raised about whether the action is connected to political developments.
The government, however, maintains that the ongoing operation against encroachments is unrelated to the JUI-F leader’s political position.