KSA defence deal sets stage for new Islamic power bloc: JUI-F chief

Fazl welcomes recent Arab-Islamic dialogues, calling them a positive first step toward greater Islamic unity

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday welcomed the strategic defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying the deal “marks the beginning of the joint defence of Islamic countries”.

Addressing a gathering at the conclusion of the Sindh Peace March in Karachi, Fazl said the new bilateral pact between Islamabad and Riyadh reflected the need for a shared security strategy.

“This defence agreement is in line with our ideology and manifesto and marks the start of a common defence strategy for the Islamic world,” he said, urging Muslim states to identify and remove obstacles to unity.

The JUI-F chief said the accord should galvanise Muslim nations to resolve their differences and present a united front. “Now both countries must step forward and lead the Islamic world in keeping with their capacity,” he said.

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Fazl also welcomed recent dialogues in the Arab and Islamic world, including the Doha conference, describing them as early but necessary steps toward greater unity. “The Arab-Islamic summit in Doha was a positive start for Islamic unity. Expectations were high, but it was a step toward building an Islamic bloc,” he added.

Recalling his longstanding call for a united bloc among Muslim states, he said that such unity was central to his party’s manifesto. “I said a week ago at a rally in Rawalpindi that Muslim countries must form a bloc. Until Muslim states stop fighting each other, the world will keep them subdued,” he said.

The JUI-F chief framed his party as a voice for the wider ummah, saying the movement stands not only for Pakistan but also for causes including Palestine and Al-Quds. “JUI-F is the voice of the Ummah, of Palestine and of those who have sacrificed for Al-Quds,” he told supporters.

Turning to Palestine, he reiterated that Pakistan has long held that Israel’s presence on Palestinian land is illegitimate. He urged that a strong stance in support of Palestine must be maintained on every platform. Any form of flexibility or compromise, he warned, would only strengthen Israel’s position.

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Fazl also praised activists joining humanitarian convoys to Gaza, saying he salute Pakistanis taking part in flotillas and vowed their efforts represented the nation. “Some of our youth joined the flotilla to Gaza — we salute them. They represent our nation’s concern,” he said.

He lauded the Sindh Peace March turnout and criticised the security situation in parts of the country. “From one end of Sindh to the other we held a peaceful march. I want to note there is no real peace in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; in Balochistan people are picked up and made to disappear,” he said, adding that JUI-F had raised its voice against injustices in Quetta.

He also warned of hurdles to his party’s campaign but said their struggle would remain peaceful. “Obstacles are being placed in our path, yet our peaceful struggle continues. When JUI-F gives voice to the people, you will see how Islamabad can be occupied peacefully,” he said.

He closed by reaffirming his party’s posture on religious and national questions, saying JUI-F would continue to stand for what it sees as Pakistan’s and the Ummah’s interests.