Army decided to start Zarb-e-Azb operation, parliament merely approved it: Fazl

Maulana Fazlur Rehman says differs with govt on what methods should be used to eliminate terrorism.

ISLAMABAD: Expressing concerns over the military operation in FATA, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday claimed that Parliament is helpless before military establishment.

"The army has taken a decision and parliament has given mere approval for it," he claimed.

"We too are not in favour of Talibanisation, militancy and terrorism in the country but we differ on what methods should be used to achieve this objective."

"All over the world, the decision regarding use of force is the domain of public representatives, not the military establishment," he added.

The JUI-F chief asked how one can convince extremists that democracy is the best option if the constitution and democratic norms will not be respected by state institutions.

"How can we be proud of a system when is it is disregarded time and again," he questioned.

"I wonder why dozens of parliamentary resolutions have not been honored regarding restoration of peace through talks," Fazl added.

He said that the use of force did not work in the past: "Swat operation was launched to eliminate terrorists but we are still fighting with terrorists headed by the same notorious chief of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulana Fazlullah, who fled from Swat and took refuge in Afghanistan."

"It is time to determine whether this operation is against terrorists or people of Waziristan," the party leader stated.

"I know I will be penalised for my independent opinion but I want to record my protest on the pages of history," he asserted.