JI and JUI-F unite for Gaza solidarity, constitutional clarity

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl ur Rehman has called on the people of Punjab to attend a public rally on April 27 at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, where a new alliance under the name Ittehad-e-Ummat is expected to be launched.

He made the announcement during a visit to the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) headquarters in Mansoora, where he was warmly welcomed by JI leader Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman. During the meeting, Fazl ur Rehman also offered condolences to the JI leadership over the passing of senior party figure Professor Khurshid Ahmad.

Speaking to the media, Fazl ur Rehman emphasized the importance of unity, especially in support of Palestinians in Gaza. He questioned the lack of strong action from Muslim leaders, particularly Pakistan’s government, saying more could be done through a united effort. He dismissed concerns about Israeli influence in Pakistan, stating that any such presence was insignificant.

He also criticized internal divisions in the Muslim world and voiced concern over the situation in Palestine, calling it an issue that affects the entire Muslim Ummah. On domestic matters, Fazlur Rehman criticized the federal government’s decision to construct new canals without agreement from all provinces, saying such decisions should be made with consensus.

On constitutional matters, he said that all political parties have different views regarding amendments. While the JUI-F does not see the 26th Constitutional Amendment as perfect, it has often shared a common stance with JI, especially on issues like electoral rigging.

JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman clarified that his party rejected the 26th Amendment outright but acknowledged some common ground with JUI-F. He said JI isn’t demanding immediate elections but insists on transparency, particularly through the verification of election results using Form-45. He also stressed the importance of institutions staying within their constitutional limits and pointed out the disconnect between rising inflation and official government figures.

On the issue of Palestine, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman expressed full support for Maulana Fazl ur Rehman’s position.