Farrukh Khokhar, son of late PPP leader Taji Khokhar, joins JUI-F

Islamabad: Farrukh Khokhar, the son of late Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Taji Khokhar, Friday joined the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), marking a significant political shift for the Khokhar family, which has long been associated with the PPP.

A joining ceremony was held at Dera Taji Khokhar near the old Islamabad airport. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman personally welcomed Farrukh Khokhar into the party and praised his decision, calling it a step that would strengthen the party’s influence in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The move is seen as a major change for JUI-F, which has historically been associated with Pakhtun and Deobandi communities. Welcoming a non-Pakhtun and non-Deobandi like Farrukh Khokhar signals the party’s efforts to broaden its appeal.

Speaking at the event, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that his party is committed to making Pakistan an Islamic democratic state. He reiterated JUI-F’s role in protecting Islamic values and upholding the spirit of the Constitution. He also warned that there are forces trying to weaken Pakistan’s Islamic identity, but asserted that they would not succeed.

The Maulana also criticized the current government, highlighting Pakistan’s struggling economy and rising inflation. He said that while neighbouring countries were making progress, Pakistan was moving towards economic instability. “People can no longer live with dignity under these conditions,” he remarked.

Farrukh Khokhar, in his address, said that although his family has a strong political legacy with the PPP, he was personally inspired by Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to religion and national unity. He particularly admired the Maulana’s strong stance on the finality of Prophethood and his support for the Pakistan Army during past conflicts with India. He said Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s views had a deep impact on him, and he hoped to contribute to the party’s mission and goals moving forward.