Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed his dissatisfaction on Friday with the government’s handling of diplomatic efforts regarding the escalating tensions with India. He called on the government to provide a detailed briefing to Parliament about the ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating the situation.
In a fiery speech during the National Assembly debate, Maulana Fazl reiterated the readiness of the youth from Pakistan’s madrasas to stand alongside the armed forces in defense of the country. “The youth of madrasas are prepared to fight for Pakistan, and we are with our military against any Indian aggression,” he declared, stressing that the country’s madrasa students had been under significant international pressure.
Maulana Fazl also lamented the government’s failure to fulfill promises made regarding the country’s defense and diplomatic strategies, especially in relation to the Kashmir issue. He noted that while he couldn’t speak to the future of Kashmir’s freedom, the government and policymakers were the only ones privy to the truth.
As a response to rising tensions, the JUI-F chief announced that his party would mark May 11 as “Defence of Pakistan Day” with major rallies planned in Peshawar and Quetta, urging citizens to unite. He also emphasized the importance of national solidarity across political parties, as Pakistan faces external threats.
Despite his critical stance on the government, Maulana Fazl called for unity among all political groups, particularly in backing Pakistan’s military efforts. He added that his party’s Anasar-ul-Islam wing would play a pivotal role in supporting the civil defense registration initiative, calling the country’s religious seminary students “frontline defenders” of Pakistan.
Maulana Fazl also expressed concern over Pakistan’s lack of clarity regarding the extent of the conflict with India. He criticized the government for focusing on phone calls instead of decisive action and stressed the need for greater international support, particularly from China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. He demanded transparency regarding the diplomatic efforts underway to resolve the conflict.
In addition to the India-Pakistan situation, Maulana Fazl condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing the country of murdering innocent Palestinians and destroying Gaza. He urged for Pakistan’s parliament to take a strong stance on these international issues.
Meanwhile, members from various political parties in Parliament voiced strong unity in their support for Pakistan’s military. MQM lawmaker Sanjay Parwani accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of deliberately undermining regional peace, while opposition figures from PTI emphasized the importance of national unity. Shahid Khattak and Asad Qaiser from PTI echoed the sentiment, praising Pakistan’s military for delivering a “befitting reply” to India and urging the government to adopt a unified stance in the face of external threats.
The unified message in Parliament reflected the nation’s resolve to stand together in defense of its sovereignty amid heightened tensions with India.