JUIF, JI announce joint struggle for Palestine cause

LAHORE: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman met Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman at Mansoora on Monday and discussed ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and pressing national issues.

They also announced launch of joint struggle for the cause of Palestine, and formation of a joint platform, Majlis Ittehad-e-Ummat, for collective efforts in support of Gaza.

Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, both leaders voiced deep concern over the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, the silence of Muslim world leaders and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC)’s weak stance on the matter. They called on all political parties to unite and adopt a firm and clear position against Israeli atrocities.

Naeemur Rehman said political parties should openly denounce both the US and Israel. He reiterated that while Jamaat-e-Islami would continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation with other political and religious parties, including JUIF, its political struggle would remain independent and platform-specific. He also thanked Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his delegation for visiting Mansoora.

Responding to media questions, the JI chief categorically rejected the 26th Constitutional Amendment, stating it weakened the judiciary. He reiterated JI’s long-standing demand for a probe into electoral rigging based on Form-45 and asserted that instead of holding new elections, the country needed a thorough investigation into the last polls to uphold electoral transparency.

Both sides agreed on importance of upholding constitutional supremacy and stressed that all institutions must operate within their constitutional boundaries. The two leaders also discussed the deteriorating economic situation and rising inflation.

The JI chief criticised the government’s failure to provide relief to masses, stating that despite official claims, the public continues to suffer. He announced that Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its ongoing public awareness campaign for Palestine.

Maulana Fazl said the entire Muslim Ummah was deeply agitated over the situation in Gaza. He called for a stronger and clearer position from the OIC. Fazlur Rehman said he wants to evolve relations with PTI to a level where talks can take place.

He said that he does not believe in extremist and militant politics, adding he called anyone an agent of foreign powers who actually was one. There are differences with the PPP, PML-N, Jamaat-e-Islami but there is no hostility, he added.

On the issue of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, he remarked that different political parties might have varying opinions, which should not be interpreted as major discord. He also stressed that provincial resources should primarily serve the people of the province.

The JUIF leader expressed condolences on the passing of former JI vice ameer Prof Khurshid Ahmad and paid tribute to his religious and national services, praying for elevation of his ranks in the world hereafter. He was accompanied by a delegation including Maulana Amjad Khan, Rashid Mehmood Soomro, and other senior party leaders. From the JI side, the meeting was attended by Deputy Ameer Liaquat Baloch, Secretary General Ameerul Azeem and other prominent party members.