Lahore: In a joint press conference held in Lahore, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Palestine, calling it a matter of grave worry for the Muslim Ummah. Both leaders urged political parties in Pakistan to take a clear stance on the issue and stand with the oppressed.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign to rally support for Palestinians, aiming to unite the nation, the Muslim Ummah, and its leadership in taking concrete steps for the Palestinian cause. As part of this effort, a large protest and public gathering will be held at Minar-e-Pakistan on April 27, which will include participation from various religious parties.
The JUI-F chief also revealed the formation of a new platform titled Majlis-e-Ittehad-e-Ummat (Council for Unity of the Ummah), under which the Lahore gathering will take place. This platform seeks to bring together all religious groups to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Responding to a question, Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized that the Muslim world lacks a unified stance on the Palestine issue, which he attributed to the weakness and inaction of Muslim rulers. He also addressed domestic concerns, asserting JUI-F’s clear stance on provincial autonomy. He stated that each province has the right to its own resources, in line with the Constitution.
Commenting on the concerns of the Sindhi population, he said their demand for rights cannot be suppressed and criticized the central government for turning every issue into a controversy. Regarding the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said JUI-F had strong reservations, and due to their resistance, the government withdrew from 34 out of the 56 proposed clauses.
Speaking at the conference, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman reiterated that the situation in Palestine and Gaza is the most pressing issue facing the Muslim Ummah and humanity today. He accused Israel, backed by the United States, of committing atrocities, and stressed that all political parties should clarify their position and stand with the oppressed, regardless of who the oppressor is.
He also emphasized the importance of constitutional and democratic supremacy in the country and called for all state institutions to operate within their constitutional limits.
On the 26th Amendment, Hafiz Naeem stated that Jamaat-e-Islami had outrightly rejected it and would continue its struggle through its own platform. He noted that while the party shares concerns over electoral rigging with JUI-F, it is not immediately demanding new elections.
Instead, he proposed the formation of a judicial commission, based on consensus, to investigate alleged rigging using Form 45 as a primary source of evidence, as the elections were held just a year ago and many parties already have copies of the forms.
