LAHORE: In a rare show of unity, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman have agreed to jointly raise their voice for the Palestinian cause, calling for a unified stance across the Muslim world.
The announcement came after the first formal meeting between the two major religious parties in six years, held at Jamaat-e-Islami’s headquarters in Mansoorah.
Following extensive discussions between senior leaders of both parties, Fazlur Rehman announced the formation of a new alliance called “Majlis Ittehad-e-Ummat”, which he said would bring together all religious parties on a single platform to promote Islamic unity and defend sacred causes like Palestine.
The meeting was attended by JUI-F leaders Rashid Mehmood Soomro, Maulana Amjad Khan, and Aslam Ghauri, while JI was represented by Liaqat Baloch, Ameer-ul-Azeem, Dr. Farid Paracha, Maulana Javed Kasuri, and Ziauddin Ansari. Both sides expressed concern over the deteriorating political and economic situation in Pakistan and emphasised the need for unity on the Palestine issue.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the ongoing genocide in Gaza had caused immense distress in the Muslim Ummah and criticised the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its ineffective response. “There must be a clear and unified stance of the Muslim world on Palestine,” he said.
Fazlur Rehman also denounced individuals who have reportedly travelled to Israel through unofficial channels, calling them “seekers of cheap fame” and asserting that they do not represent the people of Pakistan.
He underlined the sanctity of jihad, stating that contributing to the cause of Palestine, in any form, was a sacred obligation and a strategic duty. He dismissed those who mock the concept of jihad as “non-serious and clownish,” saying such ridicule has no effect on true believers.
The JUI-F chief also addressed domestic issues, reiterating his opposition to the controversial Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 and objecting to the construction of water canals without provincial consensus. He criticised the federal government for ignoring provincial rights, particularly those of Sindh, warning that a dismissive attitude would only deepen inter-provincial tensions. “Our manifesto is clear—every province has the right to its own resources,” he stated.
JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman and other party leaders echoed these concerns, affirming a coordinated political response to the central government’s policies. Both parties confirmed participation in a large-scale rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on April 27 in solidarity with Palestinians, urging the people of Punjab to join the mobilisation.
Fazlur Rehman also used the occasion to express condolences over the passing of veteran JI leader Professor Khurshid Ahmed, describing his visit to Mansoorah as one he had long intended to make.
Separately, the JUI-F Central General Council, chaired by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, rejected the idea of forming any political alliance with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The council proposed launching an independent anti-government movement and initiating contact with other political groups instead.
JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah confirmed this position, citing PTI’s failure to address JUI-F’s concerns in the past three months and a lack of trust for serious dialogue.
