Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing of senior religious scholar and former MPA Maulana Muhammad Idris, and announced nationwide protests on May 8 after Friday prayers.
The announcement came during his visit to Charsadda, where he offered condolences to the family of the slain scholar and paid tribute to his services. Speaking to the media, Fazlur Rehman described the killing as a tragic loss not only for the religious community but for the wider Muslim ummah.
He strongly condemned the act, stating that killing a fellow Muslim over differences of opinion reflects ignorance and cannot be justified under any circumstances. “Maulana Idris’ passing is a deep shock for the الأمة. He was seeking peace but became a victim of violence,” he said.
The JUI leader emphasized that religious scholars in Pakistan stand firmly with the Constitution and reject the use of violence within the country. “It is our unanimous stance that taking up arms inside Pakistan is not permissible,” he added.
Fazlur Rehman also called on state institutions and the government to fulfill their responsibilities by ensuring law and order and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He criticized authorities for failing to prevent such incidents and urged them not to draw salaries without delivering on their duties.
“Our demand is clear: the killers of Maulana Idris must be arrested and punished,” he said, warning that failure to act could further erode public trust.
He announced that JUI will hold countrywide protests after Friday prayers, aiming to register public outrage and pressurize authorities to take swift action.
The killing of Maulana Muhammad Idris in Charsadda has sparked widespread condemnation across political and religious circles, with many calling for stronger security measures and accountability to prevent further targeted attacks.
