PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged opposition parties in Pakistan to adopt a joint position in Parliament on key national issues.
Speaking at a workers’ convention in Peshawar, Fazlur Rehman said his party was not seeking government positions. He said it was instead focused on protecting the Constitution and Parliament’s powers.
The JUI-F chief said the Constitution clearly states that no law can be made against the Quran and Sunnah. He added that failure to implement constitutional provisions was a failure of the rulers.
Fazlur Rehman Calls for Opposition Unity
Fazlur Rehman said he had met the opposition leader and called for unity on common issues inside Parliament.
He said opposition parties should develop a joint position to prevent further political and constitutional problems.
“We are making a principled disagreement. We are not abusing anyone,” he said.
He also stressed that Parliament must retain its constitutional authority.
Concerns Over Parliamentary Powers
The JUI-F leader criticized what he described as the transfer of parliamentary powers to a powerful individual within the state establishment.
More Read
He said command and control powers should remain with the federal government as provided by the constitutional system.
Fazlur Rehman also questioned recent legislation. He said some provisions appeared inconsistent with the Constitution and should receive proper parliamentary debate.
JUI-F Supports Strong Defence
Fazlur Rehman said Pakistan needs a strong defence capability. He made clear that his party does not oppose strengthening the country’s defence.
However, he said the acquisition of power and the use of power were two different matters.
He argued that all state institutions should operate within their constitutional limits.
Fazlur Rehman Opposes New Provinces
The JUI-F chief also criticized the debate over creating new provinces.
More Read
He said Pakistan was already facing serious security problems in several regions. In his view, dividing provinces under such circumstances would create additional challenges.
Fazlur Rehman also raised concerns about provincial resources and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
He claimed that some proposals to divide provinces could affect the distribution of financial resources and control over mineral wealth.
Concerns Over Security in KP and Balochistan
Fazlur Rehman expressed concern over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
He said violence had created serious problems for civilians and questioned the effectiveness of the security system in some areas.
He also raised concerns about the safety of major roads, including routes connecting Karachi and Quetta.
Fazlur Rehman Criticizes Israel Over Gaza
The JUI-F chief also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
He said Western countries often speak about moderation while failing to take effective action against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians.
He also referred to the long US war in Afghanistan and questioned the international response to the conflict.
Welcomes Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Türkiye Cooperation
Fazlur Rehman welcomed closer cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
He described greater cooperation among Muslim countries as a positive development. He said stronger cooperation could help reduce the Islamic world’s dependence on the United States.
‘We Are Not Hungry for Government’
Fazlur Rehman said his party was not seeking power for the sake of joining the government.
“We are not hungry for government,” he said, emphasizing that his party’s position was based on political and constitutional principles.
He called for respect for Parliament, constitutional institutions and political rights, while urging opposition parties to work together on common national issues.
