Fazl, Naeem oppose Pakistan’s participation in Gaza Peace Board

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman and JUI-F President Maulana Fazlur Rahman met in Islamabad on Friday and discussed national and political matters.

Speaking on the occasion, Hafiz Naeem welcomed Maulana Fazlur and his delegation, stating that the meeting involved detailed discussions on the domestic and international situation. He said that matters related to the proposed Gaza Peace Board also came under discussion, adding that Pakistan had reportedly accepted membership of the board and an invitation to participate.

Expressing concern, Hafiz Naeem said there were fears that the government might send troops to Gaza, terming it unacceptable for Pakistan to become part of the ISF. He stressed that Pakistan should avoid involvement in any conflict that could harm both Pakistan and Afghanistan, warning that public mobilization could be initiated in the coming days if the government fails to reconsider its stance.

Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that a meeting of the Peace Board is scheduled for February 19 and alleged that it was being convened to bypass the United Nations. He maintained that Pakistan’s participation in the meeting would be inappropriate under any circumstances and urged the Islamic world to refrain from attending.

Criticizing global powers over their handling of the Palestinian issue, Fazlur Rehman called for demonstrating national pride and warned that sending troops to Palestine could place Pakistan on the side of Israel.

He announced that a full-scale public campaign would be launched after Eid-ul-Fitr, adding that JUI-F has planned a million march in Mardan on the 12th.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also emphasized the need for Pakistan to improve ties with neighbouring countries, urging dialogue with Iran and Afghanistan regarding the actions of armed groups operating in the region.