ISLAMABAD, October 29, 2026: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticised Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the Senate on Thursday, saying he had lost respect for the religious leader following his alleged remarks against the state.
Addressing the upper house of parliament, Naqvi said he had previously held Fazlur Rehman in high regard but could no longer respect him after his recent statements.
“I used to respect Maulana Fazlur Rehman from the bottom of my heart, but after his remarks against the state, that respect has ended,” the interior minister said.
Naqvi was responding to criticism surrounding his recent visit to Iran alongside Field Marshal Asim Munir, rejecting suggestions that the delegation had travelled to Tehran to negotiate a defence agreement.
Iran visit was not for defence agreement
The interior minister clarified that the visit was undertaken to address the prevailing regional crisis and had nothing to do with signing a defence pact.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned him a special task, which required his participation in the visit.
Naqvi explained that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had not been involved because no defence-related discussions were held during the visit.
“The defence minister was unaware because there was no discussion concerning defence matters,” Naqvi told the Senate.
He also rejected criticism of his foreign travel, saying he had undertaken the visit as part of his official responsibilities rather than for personal reasons.
Naqvi accuses JUI-F of political opportunism
Turning his criticism towards the JUI-F leadership, Naqvi accused the party of changing its position towards state institutions depending on whether it received political benefits.
He alleged that certain political figures praised the state when they enjoyed government positions or financial advantages but adopted a hostile attitude when those benefits were withdrawn.
The interior minister also accused Fazlur Rehman of using religion for political and commercial purposes.
Referring to the JUI-F chief’s alleged statement that he would “spit on the state,” Naqvi said such language had eliminated any remaining respect he held for the religious leader.
He further warned that those making such remarks should not expect government positions or financial benefits from the state.
Opposition protests during Senate speech
Naqvi’s remarks triggered protests and heated exchanges from opposition members during the Senate proceedings.
JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza objected to the interior minister’s choice of words.
Responding to the objection, Naqvi said political leaders who criticised others should also be prepared to hear criticism in return.
The interior minister maintained that his visit to Iran had been misrepresented and reiterated that it was connected to efforts to address the regional situation rather than a bilateral defence agreement.
The exchange highlighted growing tensions between the government and JUI-F leadership over the Iran visit and statements concerning state institutions.