Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has sharply condemned recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump in which he described Afghanistan as“hell on earth.” His comments came amid escalating regional reaction to the shooting of two Americans by an Afghan migrant in Washington.

Rehman said the U.S. response reflects a deep“double standard,” noting that Washington remains firmly behind Israel despite what he called the killing and wounding of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. Yet, he added, the moment two Americans were attacked, Trump chose to malign an entire nation.

He argued that such language not only distorts the global perception of Afghans but also exposes what he termed America's discriminatory and selective approach to human rights. According to Rehman, Washington's rhetoric fuels stigma rather than addressing the root causes of violence.

Trump's remarks followed a high-profile incident in the United States involving an Afghan migrant accused of shooting two American citizens. The comments triggered criticism across South Asia, with several political and religious leaders urging restraint and responsible language from U.S. officials, local media in Pakistan and Afghanistan reported.

Rehman, one of Pakistan's most influential religious and political figures, has for years criticised U.S. policy toward Afghanistan, Palestine and the wider Muslim world. He has repeatedly argued that American foreign policy prioritises strategic alliances over humanitarian concerns.

English-language media in South Asia noted that Rehman's latest remarks align with rising frustration over U.S. support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, where civilian casualties have drawn international condemnation. Analysts say his criticism resonates strongly among Pakistani conservatives who see U.S. statements as selective and politically motivated.

He concluded that inflammatory rhetoric from global leaders only deepens mistrust and widens political divides. Rehman called on Washington to adopt“fair and principled” standards in its treatment of Muslim nations and to avoid statements that demonise entire populations.

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