WATCH: Pakistan is begging, while India is becoming a superpower, says leader Fazlur Rehman

Pakistan has been battling a severe economic crisis for months. People thought the new government, which was voted to power after the Feb 8 elections, would help save the country’s economy from sinking and improve their lives, but not much has changed.

Now, Pakistan’s Assembly opposition leader and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, left members stunned by his inaugural address on the floor of the National Assembly after the 2024 polls.

In his speech, Fazlur Rehman drew a comparison of Pakistan with India, saying while the neighbouring country is striving to become a “global superpower,” Pakistan is begging to avoid bankruptcy.

What Pakistan opposition leader said about India?

In the viral video, Fazlur Rehman is heard saying: “In August 1947, India and Pakistan got Independence together… Today, India is dreaming of becoming a global superpower, while we are begging to avoid bankruptcy and saving from getting defaulted. Who is responsible for this?”

Fazlur Rehman further said India has achieved a level of development that Pakistan has yet to reach.

Cash-strapped Pakistan has been receiving a $3 billion bailout funding package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The country has already received two tranches summing up to $1.9 billion, with $1.2 billion disbursed in July and an additional $700 million in January 2024.

On Monday, the global lender agreed to immediately disburse its final tranche of $1.1 billion to Pakistan, indicating the culmination of the second bailout package for the country.

We have made Pakistan a victim of stagnation

Expressing concerns over the deteriorating state of affairs and the burden of national debt on every citizen of Pakistan, Fazlur Rehman said: “We have made our country a victim of stagnation, such nations cannot progress.”

‘Power behind the walls controlling us’

Indirectly attacking Pakistan’s Army, Fazlur Rehman claimed that unseen forces are pulling the strings behind the scenes, making elected officials in the country mere puppets.

“There are powers behind the walls controlling us, and they make decisions while we are just puppets,” he said, as he raised doubt over the legitimacy of the recently concluded parliamentary elections in the country.

He further said “the establishment and bureaucracy had no role” in the elections and in running the country.

‘In Pakistan, bureaucrats determine who becomes the PM’

The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Pakistan’s National Assembly also expressed his concerns about the state of representation of the country. He also questioned whether the parliament truly reflects the will of the people.

He further alleged that governments are formed in palaces, and bureaucrats determine who becomes the Prime Minister.

“How long will we continue to compromise? How long will we seek help from external forces for being elected as a lawmaker?”

Rigging in 2018 and 2024 polls

Fazlur Rehman has also alleged electoral rigging in both the 2018 and 2024 general polls in Pakistan and denounced the rise of purportedly fake representatives to power.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction with lawmakers’ inability to enact legislation independently and also showed concerns regarding accountability in a nation facing security challenges.

“What kind of election is this where the losers are not satisfied, and the winners are upset?” Fazlur Rehman said.

In the February 2024 elections, Pakistan saw no party securing a majority. Ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N formed a coalition with the PPP to form the government, with Shehbaz Sharif as the Prime Minister.