'Jab tak riyasat se maal milta hai, riyasat achi hoti hai, hissa na mile to thook do': Mohsin Naqvi roasts Fazlur Reman

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi criticized Maulana Fazlur Rehman during a Senate session, describing his remarks as inappropriate. Naqvi said he had held Fazlur Rehman in high regard, but his recent statements had left little room for continued respect.

During Naqvi’s speech, senators from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) were seen protesting and creating a commotion in the chamber.

Speaking during Thursday’s Senate session, Naqvi clarified the purpose of his recent visit to Iran, saying it was incorrect to suggest that he had travelled there in connection with a defence agreement. He said his visit was not aimed at negotiating an agreement but at seeking a peaceful resolution to a dispute.

A day earlier, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), had criticized the federal government in the National Assembly, questioning Naqvi’s recent visit to Iran and using strong language regarding state institutions.

Fazlur Rehman had remarked: “A defence agreement is being negotiated in Tehran, while our foreign minister and defence minister are sitting here. Is it the Interior Ministry’s responsibility to be there? You should consider your own dignity and stature. There should be some shame and propriety.”

Responding to the criticism, Naqvi said he had also been questioned about why he had travelled to Iran when the defence minister had not.

“I do not travel anywhere out of personal choice; I go on the prime minister’s instructions,” he said.

Criticizing Fazlur Rehman, Naqvi said the JUI-F chief had made inappropriate statements about the state and its institutions. He added: “I used to have great respect for Maulana Fazlur Rehman, but now there is little room left for that respect.”

Naqvi further alleged that some people regarded the state as a mother only as long as they continued to receive benefits from it. “When their share stops coming, they begin speaking against the state,” he said.

Addressing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Ali Zafar, who was present in the chamber, Naqvi claimed that the same people now engaged in politics alongside PTI had previously urged the government to impose governor’s rule to free them from PTI.

Reacting to the uproar by JUI-F members during his speech, Naqvi said: “Now, you will receive neither jobs, nor money, nor tickets from the state.”

He added that anyone who criticized others should also have the courage to listen to criticism in return.