Whether one accepts it or not, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stands as an uncrowned king, an unparalleled political force in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Both the government and the opposition find themselves seeking his cooperation and patronage. As a seasoned politician, he commands an aura of authority that transcends party lines, ideological divides, and even rival religious schools of thought.

Remarkably, the Maulana has managed to bring together factions that historically stand opposed. The Barelvi school of thought, traditionally at odds with his Deobandi roots, has found common ground under his political umbrella. The late Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani’s son, Anas Noorani, now proudly stands with him, as does Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman, a grand figure among the Barelvis, particularly on contentious issues like the Madaris Reform Bill.

The Maulana's influence extends beyond national politics – into areas of diplomacy and conflict resolution. When the state needed a credible intermediary to communicate with the Taliban, the Maulana was the obvious choice. Trusted for his shared ideological lineage and deep understanding of their ethos, he was sent to Afghanistan to negotiate during critical stalemates.

Similarly, when tensions with India required delicate handling, the state relied upon the Maulana’s sagacity. His rapport with Indian political and religious leaders, including the Indian National Congress and the Ulema of Deoband, made him a unique conduit for dialogue. Although these efforts did not yield the desired outcomes – perhaps due to external factors beyond his control – they underscored his unparalleled position in........

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