–Maulana has reportedly stayed at the luxurious official residence in Islamabad for nearly two decades
A big upset defeat against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders is not the only worrisome aspect of the 2018 elections for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman. It is more than just the setbacks in both Dera Ismail Khan’s constituencies NA-38 and 39 against Ali Ameen Gandapur and Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh, respectively, that are making him ‘restless’ in the post-election situation where he alleges ‘naked rigging’ and unjust treatment.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman has enjoyed the facilities and incentives equivalent to a federal minister, according to media, and has lived in an official residence located in Islamabad’s Ministers’ Enclave for the past 20 years.
From being the leader of the opposition in National Assembly during Musharraf era to molding himself as a part of the ruling coalition alliances with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in their respective tenures, Fazl has seen his golden age.
In 2013, the chairman of special committee of parliament was asked to vacate the residence within 15 days as part of relinquishing the charge of his office but he didn’t do so as he became a part of the ruling government, again.
However, this time, Fazl will see his way out of the Ministers’ Enclave as a result of his surprise defeat. He will also have to give away the security and protocol associated with his former position of authority. Unfortunately, the only time he will visit the posh residences now will be as a guest.
The PTI government to-be in centre will force him not only to vacate the luxurious house that he has been occupying in the Ministers’ Enclave for more than decade but also to clear the outstanding dues.
Under the law, federal ministers, state ministers, special assistants and advisers to the prime minister have to vacate their official residences within 15 days of relinquishing the charge of their office.
Former ministers, advisers and officials have to pay over Rs 100,000 per month for the subsequent period of stay in the Ministers’ Enclave without the authority.
However, despite the end of term of the PML-N government on May 31, 2018, the JUI-F leader is yet to vacate his official residence. According to reports, Maulana Fazlur Rehman had recently called on PML-N President Shehbaz at the Ministers’ Enclave where they exchanged views on various political issues.
