In the long landscape of Pakistani politics, Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a name that has not only survived for decades but has repeatedly adopted new colors to ensure his political survival. The axis of the JUI F chief’s politics has always been to don the cloak of religion and gain access to the corridors of power. But times are changing. From the plains of Punjab to every corner of the country, the public has tested and examined his politics, and the result is there for all to see.
The biggest weapon in Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s political arsenal has always been madrassa students. Education experts and political analysts have openly stated that JUI F plans to use innocent seminary students as a political shield to achieve its objectives. These are children who live far from their homes to acquire religious education, whose parents hope their sons will become scholars, not fuel for political rallies. Even the heads of major religious institutions condemned this practice, saying that no madrassa should allow its students to participate in political gatherings, as it damages the reputation of seminaries.
Political circles accused Fazlur Rehman of resorting to blackmail and religious hatred to save his sinking political ship, and of attempting to incite madrassa students against the government. This raises a profound question: a person who claims to be a champion of religion, why would he bring innocent children to political rallies armed with sticks? The public has already found the answer to that question.
JUI F’s connection with Afghanistan is no secret. Historical data shows that approximately 30,000 Afghan students from JUI controlled madrassas joined the Taliban movement. Investigative journalism has revealed that JUI F provided not just ideological support but practical assistance in the form of networks and madrassa graduates who would go on to fight in Afghanistan.
Several key leaders associated with the Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan were linked to JUI F madrassas. These are facts that are no longer known only to analysts, ordinary Pakistanis are now well aware of them too.
Recent political activity in Punjab has proven that Fazlur Rehman’s political magic no longer works. The negligible public turnout at rallies, the indifference of other opposition parties, and the cold reception his politics has received across the country send a clear message. Political circles also acknowledged that the public rejected JUI F’s protest and its undemocratic tactics.
Even opposition parties refused to stand by him during his protests. When your own allies abandon you, it is time to understand that the political story is drawing to a close. Maulana Fazlur Rehman has repeatedly learned that battles fought alone have gotten him nowhere.
The real issue is that the Pakistani public has become far more politically aware. They know how to object to voting in the name of religion and watching madrassa children be exploited at rallies. In this age of social media, no politician can hide a double faced politics for long. When on one hand the money of the poor is collected in the name of religious causes, and on the other hand madrassa children are used as political shields, the public does not stay silent.
Interestingly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman once again claimed in late 2025 that the 2018 and 2024 elections were rigged and demanded fresh elections. In other words, whenever there is an electoral defeat, blame it on rigging, this old prescription no longer works.
Pakistan is a country facing challenges on every front. What is needed at this hour are politicians who take the country forward, not those who use madrassa children as instruments of ambition while facilitating terrorists who are enemies of Pakistan. The public has delivered its verdict. Now it is their turn to accept that verdict and close this chapter of politics once and for all.
