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JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The leaders of JI and JUI-F have expressed serious reservations about Pakistan’s potential participation in Trump’s proposed Peace Council and demanded that the government not send Pakistani forces to Gaza.
A meeting took place between JI chief Hafiz Naeem and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad, where the leader of the two religious parties discussed the Peace Council, the ongoing spate of terrorism and law and order in the country.
Addressing the media after the meeting at his residence, Fazl said the Peace Council meeting scheduled for February 19 bypasses the United Nations and Pakistan’s participation would be inappropriate under any circumstances.
He also stated that it is unacceptable for Pakistan to become part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) proposed to be formed under Trump’s Gaza plan.
He called on Islamic countries to refrain from attending the meeting, adding that global powers are making fun of the Palestinians while Pakistan’s rulers attend.
He warned that if the government insists on what he called “American subservience,” they are prepared to launch a public movement against it.
He announced that a full-scale public campaign would begin after Eid-ul-Fitr and that the JUI-F has planned a million march in Mardan on April 12.
The Maulana further said sending troops to Palestine would effectively place Pakistan alongside Israel. He also urged Afghanistan to maintain better relations with Pakistan.
Hafiz Naeem said he had detailed discussions on national and international issues with Fazl. Noting that Pakistan has accepted membership and an invitation to participate in the Peace Council, he expressed concern that the government could send troops to Gaza.
He stressed that Pakistan must not become a part of such a force and should avoid entering into any conflict that could harm Pakistan or Afghanistan. He added that if the government does not reconsider, they will mobilize the public in the coming days.
