Does Sherani pose a serious threat to Maulana?
Analysis Quetta Voice
Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani’s differences with Maulana Fazal ur Rehman are nothing new. Sherani served as the Chief of Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam (JUI) for around two decades in Balochistan and considered to be the kingmaker in almost all previously formed coalition governments.
It was Sherani, not Maulana to distribute portfolios among the legislators while forming an alliance with various political parties. The JUI (F) chief had nominal control over the party affairs when it comes to Balochistan earlier.
Late Maulana Noor Muhammad made abortive attempts to replace Sherani
Late Maulana Noor Muhammad, a former member national assembly from Quetta and a staunch supporter of the Afghan Taliban made abortive attempts to defeat Sherani in provincial amarat’s elections.
Sherani used to win the provincial amir’s election without any strong opposition. It was Maulana Sherani who formed governments with late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in 1988, Sardar Akhtar Mengal in 1997, late Jam Muhammad Yousaf in 2002 and Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani in 2008.
He used to distribute tickets among the candidates for the national, provincial, and senate seats.
Sherani suffered a major set-back when Maulana Faiz Muhammad elected as the provincial amir of JUI Balochistan with Malik Sikandar once the blue-eyed of the latter as the general secretary of the party.
Sherani suffered a major setback when Maulana Wasey contested the election against him
During the 2013 elections, Malik Sikandar was calling the shots and considered to be a trusted man of Maulana Fazal ur Rehman. However, Sherani suffered another major blow when Maulana Wasey who served as senior minister Balochistan twice with the support of Sherani parted his ways with the latter. Wasey was considered to be Sherani’s man.
Wasey contested elections against Maulana Sherani and won with an overwhelming majority as provincial amir. Maulana Wasey enjoyed the trust and support of Maulana Fazal ur Rehman. Subsequently, Sherani’s era came to an end in the JUI (F).
Sherani is known for going against an established perception
Sherani is known for going against an established perception. When the Taliban were ruling over Afghanistan. Sherani openly opposed the Taliban’s policies and narrowly escaped two major suicide attacks.
As far as the current stance of Sherani is concerned, perhaps the latter had no option other than overtly challenging Maulana Fazal ur Rehman for political life.
Although, Shernai has lost control over the electables and influential cadre of the party. But, the outspoken clergyman has the potential to harm the narrative of Maulana and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Sherani may not win any seat in the future but can upset the mandate of JUI (F) that has a strong vote-bank in various parts of Balochistan.
Does Sherani pose a serious threat to Maulana?
