Muhammad Amanullah | The True Post
Date: October 30, 2026
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly criticised Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over his recent remarks about state institutions, saying his respect for the opposition leader has diminished following the comments.
Speaking during a Senate session, Naqvi said he had previously held Fazlur Rehman in high regard but believed his recent statements had crossed a line.
In a pointed response, the interior minister said there would now be no more state jobs, money or election tickets, apparently referring to what he described as benefits previously received from the state.
Naqvi said political disagreements were part of democratic life, but politicians should exercise restraint when speaking about state institutions. He described Fazlur Rehman’s remarks from the previous day as inappropriate.
Naqvi Accuses Political Figures of Using the State for Personal Benefit
The interior minister argued that some political figures supported the state when they benefited from it but became critical when they were denied power or a share in government.
He said receiving benefits from the state while it served one’s interests, and then speaking against it when circumstances changed, was not appropriate.
Naqvi added that anyone who criticised others should also be prepared to hear a response to their criticism.
He also accused certain political figures of using Islam for political and commercial purposes. He claimed that some of these individuals had previously approached him and asked for governor’s rule to be imposed as a way of resolving their political difficulties.
Interior Minister Clarifies His Visit to Iran
Naqvi also addressed questions about his recent visit to Iran, rejecting suggestions that he had travelled there on his own initiative.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned him a specific responsibility, which required him to accompany the premier on visits to Iran.
The interior minister further clarified that the visit was not connected to any defence agreement. He rejected Fazlur Rehman’s position that he had travelled to Iran for negotiations or arrangements related to a defence pact.
Naqvi reiterated that political leaders should exercise caution when discussing state institutions and remain prepared to respond to criticism when they make public statements.
