Fazlur Rehman: If Pakistan Does Not Support Muslims in War, It Betrays the Purpose of Its Creation

Islamabad: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticized the government and called for a clear stance on Palestine, declaring that if Pakistan does not stand with Muslims in times of war, it negates the very foundation of its creation.
Speaking at a conference in Islamabad titled “Palestine and the Responsibilities of the Muslim Ummah,” Fazlur Rehman said the current state of governance in the country is bizarre and fragmented. “We have a PDM government, but the president (myself) is in the opposition,” he remarked sarcastically.
He criticized those who question how Pakistan’s economy would function if it supports Palestine, stating, “I curse such an economy that survives on the mercy of Jews.” Citing historical Islamic events, he referred to the period when non-believers were barred from entering Makkah, yet Islam still prevailed despite economic challenges.
The JUI-F chief stated that some people have privately asked him how to run the economy, even though they used to preach economic philosophies on television. “We held seminars, led a million march in Karachi, and silenced them,” he claimed.
Fazlur Rehman stressed that Pakistan, created in the name of Islam, has a responsibility to fight for Muslim causes. “If Pakistan does not engage in the Muslim struggle, it defies the ideology of its founding. The current leadership of the Muslim League is betraying Quaid-e-Azam’s vision,” he added.
He urged the government to adopt a clear stance on Palestine and questioned why there is hesitation. “Philosophers say clerics don’t understand global affairs—but the same was said in Makkah. Allah’s command is in the Quran,” he said.
Rehman further emphasized the need to block the entry of non-Muslims into the region, manage national resources independently, and stop relying on foreign loans. “We’ve begged our entire lives. It’s time Pakistan stands on its own feet,” he declared.
He also recounted an exchange with former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who allegedly told him to accept that Pakistan is a slave of the U.S. “There’s a difference between acknowledging slavery and submitting to it,” Rehman responded.
Calling for nationwide demonstrations, Fazlur Rehman announced a “Million March Against Israel” in Karachi on April 13 and urged the nation and religious groups to hold district-level protests after Friday prayers in solidarity with Palestinians.
“We will not sit idle, and we won’t let you sit idle either,” he concluded, promising to reveal the next course of action at the Karachi rally.