Snubbing hearsay: Fazl rejects speculation of peace overtures in Qatar

PESHAWAR:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday categorically denied that the purpose of his visit to Qatar was to initiate peace overtures with the Afghan Taliban.

Talking to reporters at the party’s provincial secretariat, Fazl rejected media reports indicating his trip to Qatar was linked to talks with the Afghan Taliban, saying he was not in contact with any member of the Pakistan Taliban either. He added his trip was of a personal nature and that the media hyped it up needlessly.

However, he was cautious not to rule out the possibility. Terming the proposal for peace talks “positive”, Fazl said the opportunity should not be wasted. He said the provincial chapter of his party also contacted the Hazara community and assured them of support. “Peace is the foremost requirement of Pakistan.”



He maintained some forces were trying to delay elections and urged the nation to unite against conspiracies that weaken democracy. He stressed it was important the elections are held on time so that a new government can take over.

Fazl said his party will rewrite policies to end Pakistan’s regional isolation. “We may have differences with the international community. But we have no enmity with them,” asserted Fazl.

“Our party has created a niche for itself. Even though religious parties are facing problems globally, JUI-F’s opinion matters in international issues.”

On the occasion, Fata parliamentarian from Kurram Agency, Munir Orakzai announced his decision to join JUI-F. Fazl welcomed Orakzai and said the party’s doors were open for all workers and leaders to join. According to him, 10,000 people joined JUI-F along with Orakzai – a move he hoped would further strengthen the party.

In his speech, Orakzai said he was joining JUI-F without any prior conditions or demands for a seat or position.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2013.