ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUIF) on Friday asked the Government of Pakistan to stay away from the upcoming meeting of the Gaza Peace Board, scheduled to be held on February 19.
JI Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and JUIF-Pakistan chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman, while addressing a joint press conference late on Friday night, threatened to launch a mass mobilisation movement if the government proceeds with its plan to participate in the Gaza Peace Board meeting.
“Are we going to participate in an activity alongside Israeli forces to disarm Hamas and fulfil the agenda of external powers?” Maulana Fazalur Rehman asked, adding that they would not allow the government to make Pakistan a proxy of international powers. Fazalur Rehman said that participation in the Gaza Peace Board meeting would amount to yet another diplomatic failure, following the deterioration of relations with neighbouring countries. In response to a question, Maulana Fazalur Rehman said that as Pakistan enjoys a leading role in the Muslim world, its government should persuade the Saudi and Turkish governments not to become part of the Gaza Peace Board.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also maintained that there was no need for the creation of a Gaza Peace Board in the presence of the United Nations. He added that it would also be unacceptable if Pakistan agreed to send its troops to become part of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
Both leaders discussed national and international political developments, the worsening law and order situation in the country, the ongoing wave of terrorism and the situation in Gaza. They unanimously agreed that Pakistan must not, under any circumstances, become part of the Gaza Peace Board. They also stressed that outstanding issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan should be addressed through sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that discussions covered the domestic and international situation, particularly the proposed Gaza Peace Board. He expressed serious concern that the government had accepted the invitation to participate in the forum, warning that it could potentially lead to Pakistan’s military involvement in Gaza. “We fear that the government may deploy troops to Gaza, which is completely unacceptable. Pakistan should not become part of any war that could harm its national interests. If the government ignores these concerns, we will mobilise the public in the coming days,” he said.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while welcoming the JI delegation, said that a meeting of the proposed Gaza Peace Board is scheduled for February 19, which, in his view, amounts to bypassing the United Nations. He described Pakistan’s participation in such a forum as inappropriate and urged Muslim countries to demonstrate unity, dignity and national honour by boycotting the gathering. He said global powers were making a mockery of the Palestinians, adding that Muslim rulers and representatives should not become part of this process.
Fazl also announced the launch of a vigorous public movement after Eid-ul-Fitr and announced that his party would hold a million march in Mardan on April 12.
