‘If it's war, so be it’: Fazl plans to announce new strategy post-Eid

JUI-F chief denies having any contact with Imran in Adiala Jail, says lies are being spread on social media about this

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has denied having any contact with the PTI founding chairman, Imran Khan, dismissing such claims as false. He also announced plans to unveil a new strategy after Eid, stating that his party is prepared to face all consequences.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Rehman asserted, "We believe in a positive democratic struggle and aim to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. We have chosen the path of peace and will continue to advance along this route."

He highlighted that global powers aim to control Pakistan economically and politically. "We will resist these global powers through our struggle," he added.

Rehman criticised intelligence agencies for becoming active during elections, stating that JUI-F rejected the results of 2018 and 2024 elections. He mentioned that the JUI-F's executive and advisory councils would meet after Eid ul Adha to devise their strategy.

The JUI-F chief lamented that his former allies accepted power after what he termed rigged elections, but vowed that his party would not accept this and was ready to bear all consequences of their struggle. "If it's war, then so be it," he declared.

Also read: PTI, JUI-F ‘on the verge of alliance’

Rehman expressed his dismay, saying, "It pains me to say that the government's writ has ended in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Tribal area resources are being seized. We want a strong military and national defence, but they want to weaken us and the parliament." He pointed out that women are selling their windows and doors for bread.

He also commented on the situation in Palestine, noting that over 40,000 people have been martyred and that attacks on Palestinian camps continue. "The International Court of Justice has called Israel's actions oppressive. Why are international human rights organisations silent on Israel's atrocities?" he asked. He urged the Muslim Ummah to provide financial support to Palestine, adding that European countries are now recognising Palestine.

The JUI-F leader criticised enforced disappearances in Pakistan, stating, "This is an Islamic state, yet people are being disappeared. We have previously tried to legislate against enforced disappearances, but those efforts were blocked, and the obstruction did not come from a politician."

He added that people in tribal areas are being oppressed and young people are being forcibly disappeared.

Rehman announced that JUI-F would celebrate the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Ahmadis as non-Muslims on September 7, 1974, as a day of victory.

In response to a question, Rehman said, "I have no contact with the person in Adiala Jail. Lies are being spread on social media about this."