ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has launched a sharp critique against Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, questioning the source of his billionaire-style lifestyle and dismissing his criticism of anti-encroachment operations as political theater.
Talal Chaudhry Slams Fazlur Rehman Talal Chaudhry Slams Fazlur Rehman Over Anti-Encroachment Drive Politics
Appearing on a private television program, Chaudhry addressed recent remarks made by Rana Sanaullah, stating they may have been personal opinions, but firmly maintained that notices regarding illegal encroachments have no connection to Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s politics.
Clarifying the scope of the government’s actions, the Minister of State emphasized that the crackdown against encroachments in Islamabad is not a newly launched campaign, but a continuous effort that has been underway for the past year and a half. He noted that the administration intentionally initiated the removal of encroachments in upscale neighborhoods first to set an objective standard.
Addressing specific concerns, Chaudhry stated that operations were also carried out near Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence, where illegal structures were cleared from multiple surrounding properties. Consequently, he argued, framing these administrative actions as a targeted move against a single political figure is entirely unjustified.
Chaudhry asserted that defending encroachments and transforming the issue into a political dispute is unfair. He added that the state cannot permit anyone to challenge its writ by leveraging groups of youth. The primary objective of the operation remains the strict enforcement of the law, and it should be viewed in its true perspective rather than being tied to political opposition or vendetta.
