If there is one personality in Pakistani politics who has maintained the blend of religion, politics, and power for the longest time, it is Maulana Fazlur Rehman. His political struggle has its own place, his religious services and his role concerning madrassas has its own place, but in a democratic society, the public should get answers to some fundamental questions. Because the responsibility of accountability is doubled for a leader who seeks public support in the name of religion and morality.

The biggest question about Maulana’s politics is whether his principles are permanent or they change with the political situation? The political history of the last four decades makes this question even deeper. The first question is about internal party democracy.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) is a large religious political party, but since 1980, its leadership has continuously remained in the hands of a single personality. In the party’s internal elections held in September 2024, Maulana Fazlur Rehman was once again elected Ameer unopposed. This continuity gives rise to the question whether in four decades, no other leadership in the party became capable enough? Or has the party structure been made such that there is no room left for dissent?

The incident of December 2020 further........

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