iat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the current situation demands unity among all Pakistanis and strengthening of the country’s defence institutions, stressing that the entire nation stands together for the protection and integrity of the homeland.
Addressing the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced that JUI-F has decided to observe today as Youm-e-Difa-e-Watan (Day of Defence of the Nation), adding that the party will hold a million march in Peshawar on May 11 and another in Quetta on May 15, where the public will express solidarity with the armed forces.
The JUI-F chief said the government has asked youth to enlist for civil defence duties, and in response, his party has entrusted this responsibility to its volunteer force, Ansar-ul-Islam. “Today, the one standing on the frontlines of Pakistan’s defence is the student of a religious seminary,” he remarked.
Expressing dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Maulana Fazl said, “We currently have no active diplomatic missions abroad; only telephone conversations are taking place. We must engage strategically with China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan.”
Referring to the situation in Gaza, he said the region has been “completely wiped out” and its people rendered homeless, reiterating that Pakistan must focus on empowering its defence institutions. “This is a war — and wars are not fought with flowers, but with fire,” he declared, urging full support for the country’s security forces.
He said India has launched rockets targeting mosques, seminaries and civilian areas, and Pakistan is currently on the frontline of Indian aggression. “Our brothers and sisters have been martyred. The Pakistan Army has responded with courage and sound strategy,” he noted.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman said he does not question the government or the establishment about their strategy but assured, “In the national interest, I stand in your ranks. I ask you to stand with me too.”
He also criticised individuals who, through social media posts, treat the ongoing war situation as a joke and display contempt towards the armed forces. “The government must take strict action against such behaviour,” he urged.
