Karachi Matters Editor
Imran Khan would step up to deliver a speech, often beginning with criticism of Nawaz Sharif. However, it wouldn’t be long before PTI supporters would start chanting “Diesel, Diesel,” causing a smile to cross Imran Khan’s face. He would then turn his attention towards Maulana Fazlur Rehman, labeling him as “Diesel.”
Since 2011, Imran Khan has regularly referred to Maulana Fazlur Rehman by this nickname during PTI rallies. On the other hand, Maulana Fazlur Rehman accused Imran Khan of being a foreign agent, frequently targeting PTI in his speeches. When PTI emerged as the largest party in the 2018 elections, Maulana Fazlur Rehman refused to accept the results. He led a march towards Islamabad, threatening to bring down the government and staged a sit-in protest. Although the sit-in did not achieve its immediate goal, the rivalry between the two parties intensified.
As the head of the opposition alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Maulana Fazlur Rehman played a prominent role in leading the charge against the PTI government. He was at the forefront when the no-confidence motion was brought against Imran Khan.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman was instrumental in the eventual downfall of the PTI-led coalition government, maintaining pressure on the streets and ensuring opposition unity. When the government was ousted, his party, JUI-F, secured a share in the new political arrangement.
The discord between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the establishment became evident following the elections earlier this year. According to his critics, Maulana felt aggrieved because he wasn’t rewarded in the same way as PML-N and MQM. In fact, JUI-F saw a reduction in its parliamentary seats compared to 2018, while its allied parties not only outperformed it but also assumed control at both the federal and provincial levels.
Currently, PML-N and PPP hold positions in the government, while Maulana Fazlur Rehman finds himself in the opposition. Interestingly, there is growing rapprochement between PTI and JUI-F, with leaders from both parties engaging in meetings. PTI members have even been seen praying behind Maulana Fazlur Rehman and openly supporting his stance against a particular constitutional amendment.
In politics, former adversaries can often find common ground, as is now the case. Political supporters should recognize that blind allegiance to their leaders may lead to conflict with others, only to find themselves aligned with the same individuals in the future.
