What happened
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced a countrywide protest movement against inflation on 14 May 2026, declaring that “decisions will no longer be made in parliament but on the streets”. He said nationwide demonstrations would be held on 22 May at all district headquarters, and that a major public gathering would be held in Pishin on 4 June.
He made the announcement while speaking at the “Wahdat-e-Ummat Conference” in Karachi, according to Daily Qudrat.
What he demanded
Fazlur Rehman criticised economic conditions, saying inflation in Pakistan had risen compared with neighbouring countries, and demanded what he called better economic policies, including agreements for oil imports from Iran. He called for a reduction in inflation and improvements in employment and education opportunities.
He also criticised privatisation policies and restrictions on religious seminaries, and said the government had failed to implement educational reforms for madrassas.
Wider remarks
In the same speech, the JUI-F chief said the Muslim world had long suffered “global oppression and aggression” and alleged that the United States and Western powers had waged wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. He said the situation in Gaza had unfolded before the world, and warned that if Iran were subdued by Israel then Pakistan would be “next in line”, claiming “their eyes are on the holy places of Islam”.
He called for unity among Muslim countries and urged Arab states to form a collective defence force. Reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution, he said those who violate it would be responsible for the country’s destruction, and expressed respect for state institutions while warning against attempts to pit JUI-F against them.
Fazlur Rehman claimed electoral manipulation had kept his party out of power despite its participation in democratic elections, and said JUI-F leaders, scholars and workers had been targeted. Referring to violence in the tribal regions, he said dozens of lives had been lost in incidents in Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan and Mohmand. He said that if he were killed he would not seek revenge, but that the state would be responsible for his death.
Why it matters
The announcement turns cost-of-living discontent into an organised street campaign at a time when Pakistan is navigating the economic fallout of the regional conflict, including pressure on fuel and energy supplies. JUI-F is one of the country’s main religio-political parties and a vocal opposition voice, and district-level demonstrations on 22 May could widen public pressure over prices.
What is still uncertain
The protests had been announced but not yet held when this report was published, so their scale and turnout were unknown. The claims about electoral manipulation, the targeting of JUI-F workers and the warnings about his own safety are Fazlur Rehman’s statements and were not independently verified in this report. The economic comparison with neighbouring countries was not supported with figures in the source account.
Sources & reporting notes
This is a summary of published material, not independent reporting. Source reviewed on 2026-05-14. Political claims and characterisations are attributed to Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
- Daily Qudrat — "Maulana Fazlur Rehman Announces Nationwide Protests Against Inflation, Says 'Decisions Will Now Be Made in the Streets'"14 May 2026 · Reports the announcement of nationwide inflation protests on 22 May, the Pishin gathering on 4 June and Fazlur Rehman's economic and political remarks in Karachi.
