Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has openly rejected the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, citing initial reports that raised questions about their legitimacy. During a media briefing today with Chief Minister Suhail Afridi, Rehman expressed his disapproval, which aligns with similar sentiments held by his party.
Rehman highlighted national issues, mentioning the exploitation of mineral resources in provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He condemned the powerful institutions that seize control of these valuable resources, often at the expense of local communities. According to Rehman, the state’s responsibility to safeguard these resources does not justify the deprivation of the local population’s rights.
Furthermore, Rehman emphasized the need for a unified strategy to use the benefits derived from these resources to improve the lives of the poor children in these areas. He criticized the current administration and advocated for legislative measures to protect the interests of the local people.
In a related announcement, Rehman highlighted the recent federal law approval regarding the registration of religious seminaries, emphasizing that its implementation should be carried out at the provincial assembly level. In his view, this would ensure consistency and adherence to the new legal framework across different provinces.