JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called for further reflection on whether there was a real threat of war with Afghanistan.
Speaking in an interview on the Samaa TV programme "Mere Sawal With Absar Alam", he noted that while political differences existed, his respect for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif remained unchanged.
Rehman shared his views on the historical context of terrorism and Pakistan’s involvement in the Afghan conflict.
He said, "There is a history related to terrorism, and the state's mistakes have played a significant role in it. Pakistan provided refuge to 30 to 40 million people due to the Afghan war, and we made Pakistan a base camp during the conflict. The war lasted 14 years, and when the US arrived to support the jihad against Russia, the government failed to convince the people it was jihad."
Rehman elaborated on the issue of jihad, stating that it was a commandment from the Quran, but a strategic approach was necessary. The JUI-F leader added that the geographical divisions within the Islamic world were recognised by international powers.
The JUI-F leader asserted that no particular religious group should be blamed for the rise of militancy. "Those who picked up arms are responsible for their actions, not their sect," he remarked, emphasising that Pakistan did not face any sectarian conflicts.
Rehman reflected on his long-standing stance, saying, "My position on terrorism has remained the same for the past 10 to 15 years. I cannot call those who murdered my teacher as Mujahideen." He referred to a fatwa issued by Afghan scholars declaring the jihad over, with any future fighting considered a war, not jihad.
The JUI-F chief discussed recent developments, stating that his party had distanced itself from new political movements. "At the APC in Lahore, we declared that we would continue our struggle for this system. We want to think and speak for our country," he explained, noting that he had been ready to visit Afghanistan in the capacity of his party.
He had consulted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prepared an agenda before going to Afghanistan, where he spent a week discussing various issues. "We had supported the US in the past, and we had also provided bases to them. We covered those fighting against the US, yet I do not understand why our relationship with Afghanistan deteriorated after that."
Rehman expressed his concern about the possibility of a war with Afghanistan, saying, "Whether there is a threat of war with Afghanistan or not requires further thought. War would not be beneficial for either Afghanistan or Pakistan. We need a comprehensive strategy for peace in Afghanistan, and the rulers must think about these matters and involve all political parties."
"In these sessions, the discussions are considered an entrusted matter, and I have never played the numbers game in the assembly. I have tried to honestly convey my voice." He expressed his frustration with the continuous leaks of information from such discussions, stating that their group lacked the means to prevent this.
The JUI-F supremo reflected on the broader situation in Pakistan, saying that one faction insisted on secrecy while another believed in transparency. "We desire peace and will not recommend war. The government must ensure peace; neither the use of force nor dialogue has yielded results. There remains a void," he noted, questioning who was benefitting from this gap.
Rehman also commented on the internal political dynamics, stating that both the federal and provincial governments should be held accountable. "MMA (Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal) was never with the army; it addressed the gaps. If war breaks out, we will be the first to protest," he said, recalling the major demonstrations they had led, including their opposition to the US using Pakistani bases.
In his comments on Nawaz Sharif, the JUI-F chief noted that despite political differences, he still held respect for him, although he observed that Sharif's role had become less visible in recent times.
"There is no reason to end anyone's role; some people are senior, and despite political differences, I still respect Nawaz Sharif. However, his role has vanished, and he has disappeared from the scene," Fazlur Rehman remarked.
He concluded by stating that democracy would be at risk if it failed, warning that extremism could take root if it did. "We had previously led a movement alone, and we are ready to do so again," he said.
Rehman said: "We will manage those given power as well as those kept outside," he said, referring to the ongoing electoral disputes. "Both PTI and our party have argued that elections were rigged."
