During the 2013 general elections, Imran Khan’s main target was Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Apart from Nawaz Sharif, he also continued to target Maulana Fazlur Rehman as his party was seen as a more viable option than the JUI-F and ANP.
It is not unusual for politicians to target their opponents but the mistake Imran and his party committed was personally attacking the JUI-F chief who eventually become their sworn enemy. All ethics and democratic traditions were negated during his campaign. This continued until the 2018 elections and Maulana Fazlur Rehman was now convinced that Imran Khan was not his political adversary but his personal enemy and hence he did not expect any change in his attitude.
The 2018 general elections were apparently so ‘transparent’ that nothing was left to the imagination. The opposition’s reaction was as usual as they pondered their next move before the new assemblies were sworn in. This is when Maulana Rehman suggested not to take oath but other parties were not keen and could not reach a consensus. He eventually agreed with the opposition’s decision and kept his word and even his party members also took oath.
Now Imran Khan was in his glass palace and the only option left for Maulana Fazlur Rehman was to take to the streets. He quickly reorganized this party to launch a movement just as Imran’s government completed its first year. For the first time, he started a long march from Sindh to Punjab to show his strength and left a lasting impression on national politics. Maulana Fazlur Rehman marched undeterred as there was no turning back. He was convinced the PPP and PML-N would join him but both parties continued their role as ‘friendly opposition’.
This gesture was for those against whom Nawaz Sharif has now brought a charge-sheet. In fact, Maulana Fazlur Rehman benefited from this friendly opposition as many people were disillusioned with the government and he was the only one raising a voice.
The long march was well-organized and for the first time, even secular forces showed their appreciation. There is no doubt the PML-N and PPP were worried about Maulana’s growing popularity and had no option but to come into action. In a country where sectarian parties like TLP secure 2.2 million votes, it is no surprise that a veteran like MaulanaFazlurRehman is a suitable option.
Today all opposition parties have united under Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s leadership as part of the PDM. Nawaz Sharif has delivered fiery speeches at PDM’s rallies. Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal are also on the ground and delivering with all their might and both parties have brought a much harsher narrative. But still, Maulana Rehman remains the centre of attention for people and analysts alike and has the same political stature which he gained during the long march.
This raises the question of why he is getting more attention despite the presence of the PPP and PML-N. Perhaps people realize that he will not make any deals or reach any compromise whereas other parties still want some sort of ‘reconciliation’. The people do not want any direct confrontation with the establishment but cannot bear Imran’s government anymore. They also vividly remember Imran’s personal grudges against Maulana Fazlur Rehman, when he called him disrespectfully as ‘diesel’ but has failed to lodge any case against him.
If others are being grilled by NAB then why hasn’t a case been registered against MaulanaFazlurRehman? It clear that the charges are bogus and there are no corruption allegations against him. He has earned a moral victory and Imran Khan is not a threat to Maulana Fazlur Rehman. It is rather the other way around and the JUI-F chief poses a grave threat to Imran Khan. This threat is growing and slowly turning toward Islamabad. Imran Khan is reaping what he has sown.
