'Borders Shut, China Unhappy': Fazl-Ur-Rehman Targets Pakistan's Security, Foreign Policies | Exclusive
'Borders Shut, China Unhappy': Fazl-Ur-Rehman Targets Pakistan's Security, Foreign Policies | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 11:57 IST The veteran cleric also
'Borders Shut, China Unhappy': Fazl-Ur-Rehman Targets Pakistan's Security, Foreign Policies | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 11:57 IST The veteran cleric also targeted Pakistan's “hybrid civil-military regime” & argued that terrorism continues to rise even after multiple military campaigns from Swat to Balochistan Rapid Read Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has launched another blistering attack on Pakistan’s military establishment, accusing it of failing to protect citizens despite conducting years of counter-terror operations across the country. Addressing a public gathering in Pishin, Balochistan, Fazl questioned the effectiveness of Pakistan’s national security strategy, arguing that terrorism continues to rise even after multiple military campaigns from Swat to Balochistan. “The military has carried out major operations across the country, but terrorism has not been eliminated," he said, claiming that the state’s security apparatus had failed in its primary responsibility of protecting citizens. The veteran cleric painted a grim picture of the security situation in Pakistan’s troubled western regions.
According to Fazl, “not a single police station, military checkpoint or Frontier Corps fort in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is truly safe," which he said reflected the failure of existing military policies and operations. His remarks come amid a surge in militant attacks in both provinces, where security forces have faced repeated assaults from insurgent and extremist groups over the past year. ‘Hybrid Regime Failed At Every Front’ Fazl also widened his criticism beyond security matters, targeting what he described as Pakistan’s “hybrid civil-military regime". “Our hybrid system has failed on every front," he said, adding that the country’s security policy and foreign policy had both produced disappointing results. The JUI-F chief argued that Pakistan was increasingly facing diplomatic and economic isolation. Pointing to the closure of borders with India and Afghanistan, he questioned how the country could improve trade and regional connectivity while remaining cut off from its neighbours. “How can you do business with neighbouring countries when borders are closed and Pakistan is isolated in the region?" he asked.
Fazl further claimed that China, Pakistan’s closest strategic partner, was unhappy with Islamabad’s inability to provide adequate security for Chinese interests and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Questions Political System The cleric also took aim at Pakistan’s political establishment, alleging that the country’s bureaucracy and powerful institutions were responsible for deepening divisions within society. He criticised what he called “political engineering" and warned against branding critics of the system as traitors. “Stop labeling dissenters as traitors," Fazl said, arguing that political disagreements should not be treated as acts of disloyalty. He further questioned the legitimacy of Pakistan’s current political order, claiming that elections and legislative assemblies formed through alleged rigging had raised serious questions about the country’s democratic system. Vows To Continue Mobilisation Despite security threats targeting his party, Fazl said the JUI-F would continue its nationwide political mobilisation campaign. He accused hostile forces of attempting to intimidate his party through violence but maintained that JUI-F would not back down from its political activities.
The latest remarks mark one of Fazl-ur-Rehman’s strongest critiques yet of Pakistan’s military and political establishment, underscoring growing tensions between sections of the country’s opposition and the powerful security apparatus amid worsening security and economic challenges. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location: Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: June 05, 2026, 11:57 IST News world 'Borders Shut, China Unhappy': Fazl-Ur-Rehman Targets Pakistan's Security, Foreign Policies | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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