JUI-F expels Maulana Sherani, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed over controversial statements

• Maulana Sherani, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan have been kicked out of JUI-F
• JUI-F's working committee unanimously decided on recommendations of the disciplinary committee
• Party action comes after Maulana Sherani called Fazlur Rehman "selected"

LAHORE: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's spokesperson on Friday confirmed that four leaders — including Maulana Mohammad Khan Sherani — have been expelled for going against the party's decisions.

Following a meeting of the JUI-F in Lahore, Maulana Sherani, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan, and Maulana Shuja-ul-Mulk have been expelled from the party, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the statements and opinions of the expelled leaders will not be owned by the party, adding that they had been sent copies of the decision.

The development comes after Maulana Sherani earlier said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has been set up for "personal gains," adding that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is himself "selected."

Read more: Fazlur Rehman is himself ‘selected’, says senior JUI-F leader Maulana Sherani

'Maulana Fazlur Rehman is selected'

The development comes after Maulana Sherani earlier said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has been set up for "personal gains," adding that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is himself "selected."

Shedding light on PDM's plan to topple Prime Minister Imran Khan's government, Sherani said that the 11-party alliance will not be able to do that.

"I had predicted it a long time ago that Imran Khan's government will complete its five-year term," Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani said. "He will stay in power for the next five years too."

Taking a jibe at PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Sherani said that Fazlur Rehman is himself "selected," therefore, he has no right to say that Prime Minister Imran Khan was selected to become the premier instead of being elected.

Read more: JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman lashes out at world powers for considering Pakistan 'a colony'

He said that the JUI is not anyone's "hereditary party or personal property," adding that those who believe that are delusional.

"I will set up JUI's offices across Balochistan in consultation with my colleagues," he said.

Speaking about JUI-Fazl's former party’s spokesperson Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, who was removed from his position by the party last month over his statement critical of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Sherani had said that Ahmed "is an old and wise companion."

'Govt's resignation can lead to talks'

Later in the day, the JUI-F chief, speaking to media in Dera Ismail Khan, said that the ruling PTI was supporting Maulana Sherani's statement.

"We are struggling against an incompetent government [...] Everyone is on the same page to send this government home," Fazl said, adding: "The police say there is pressure to compromise my security."

"The government should resign and announce general elections, only then can negotiations take place," Fazl added.