Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that keeping Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan behind bars was "not right" and urged against jailing leaders of any political party during the war-like situation.
Speaking to journalists, Fazl said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was a political party, and like the government, it also claimed to be fighting for the country's interests.
Fazl was asked whether he would play any role in counselling or facilitating dialogue with PTI, given that the party continues to criticise the government amid what he described as a war-like situation.
"Their leader is in jail. Many of their workers are imprisoned, too. They feel that if they come out [of jail], the country would benefit," he added, explaining that this is part of the party's position.
"Besides, the matter is before the courts. I am a political person," the JUI-F chief maintained.
Fazl reiterated that jailing political leaders is not appropriate in a democratic setup.
He also vehemently denounced the United States and other major world powers for their silence on Israel's brutal campaign in Gaza.
"The United States has not clarified its position. When great powers fail to do so, it clearly encourages state terrorism," Fazl stated.
"America supported Israel. It remained silent over the massacre of 60,000 people," he added.
"If it considers Israel's actions justified, then why did it push for the hanging of Saddam Hussein or incite rebellion against Muammar Gaddafi?" he asked rhetorically.
Fazl said America only pursues its own interests and has nothing to do with humanity.
He went on to stress that those fighting on the frontlines devise their own war strategies and dismissed concerns of escalation to nuclear conflict.
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