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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, JUI-F chief. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
JI and JUI-F chiefs have expressed serious reservations about Pakistan’s possible participation in Trump’s proposed Peace Board, demanding that the government not send Pakistani forces to Gaza.
A meeting between JI chief Hafiz Naeem and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman took place in Islamabad during which the heads of the two religious parties discussed the Peace Board, the current wave of terrorism and the law and order situation in the country.
Speaking to the media after the meeting at his residence, Fazl said the Peace Board 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 be part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) that is proposed to be formed under Trump’s plan for Gaza.
He urged Islamic countries to refrain from attending the meeting, adding that world powers were mocking the Palestinians while Pakistan’s rulers participated.
He warned that if the government insists on what he called “American submission,” he is prepared to launch a public movement against it.
He announced that he would begin a large-scale public campaign after Eid-ul-Fitr, and that JUI-F has scheduled a million-person march in Mardan on April 12.
The Maulana further said that sending troops to Palestine would effectively place Pakistan alongside Israel. He also called on Afghanistan to maintain better relations with Pakistan.
Hafiz Naeem said he held detailed talks on national and international issues with Fazl. He noted that Pakistan accepted membership and an invitation to participate in the Peace Board, and expressed concern that the government may send troops to Gaza.
He stressed that Pakistan should not be part of any such force and should avoid entering into any conflict that could harm Pakistan or Afghanistan. He added that if the government does not reconsider, he will mobilize citizens in the coming days.
