Iran Visit Controversy: What Did Naqvi Say About Fazl?
News Desk
Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday strongly criticized Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman over his recent remarks about the state and its institutions, saying he no longer had any respect for the JUI-F leader following his statements.
Speaking during a Senate session, Naqvi said he had previously held Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman in high regard but considered his recent remarks inappropriate. His speech triggered a commotion in the House as JUI senators raised objections.
“I used to have great respect for Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, but now that respect no longer exists,” Naqvi said.
He accused certain political leaders of supporting the state only when they benefited from it, remarking that they treated the state like a mother as long as they continued to receive benefits.
Addressing PTI Senator Ali Zafar, the interior minister also claimed that some political figures currently aligned with PTI had previously urged the government to impose Governor’s Rule to remove the party from power.
Responding to objections from JUI members, Naqvi said those who criticized others should also be prepared to face criticism. He further remarked that such individuals would no longer receive government jobs, financial benefits or electoral tickets from the state.
The exchange followed Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman’s criticism of the federal government in the National Assembly a day earlier over Naqvi’s recent visit to Iran.
The JUI-F chief questioned the interior minister’s participation in a high-level meeting in Tehran attended by Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir; Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman; and Türkiye’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin.
Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman questioned why the interior minister had attended the meeting while Pakistan’s foreign and defence ministers were present in the country. He also used harsh language while questioning the government’s handling of the matter and its engagement with state institutions.
In response, Naqvi rejected the impression that his visit to Iran was related to negotiations on a defence agreement. He said the visit was aimed at finding a solution to the prevailing regional situation and was undertaken on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“I do not travel anywhere out of personal desire; I go only upon the Prime Minister’s directive,” Naqvi said, adding that the premier had assigned him specific responsibilities concerning the conflict involving Iran.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also responded to Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman’s criticism in the National Assembly, clarifying that the discussions in Tehran did not concern Pakistan’s defence and that no defence agreement was under consideration. He said his presence at the meetings was therefore not necessary.
Asif further urged the JUI-F chief to reflect on his own political record before criticizing others. Referring to Fazl-ur-Rehman’s tenure as chairman of the Kashmir Committee for nearly a decade, he questioned his contributions to the Kashmir cause.
The exchange has intensified political tensions between the government and the JUI-F leadership, with the two sides trading accusations over the government’s diplomatic engagement with Iran and their respective political records.
