We Want the Military Strong in Defense, Not as a Political Force: Maulana Fazlur Rehman

Karachi: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that Pakistan’s defense forces should be strong in terms of defense capabilities, not as a political force, adding that political strength is the right of the people and politicians, not the military. He also categorically opposed sending Pakistani troops to Palestine.

He expressed these views while speaking to journalists in Karachi alongside Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, who also conferred an honorary degree upon him. Maulana Fazlur Rehman thanked the governor for the honor but said he preferred to be addressed simply as “Maulana.”

Commenting on national traditions, he said respect for one another is part of Pakistan’s cultural and religious values, and his party continues to struggle to preserve these traditions.

Afghanistan Policy

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the situation in Afghanistan should not be viewed in isolation or in the context of recent incidents alone. Instead, Pakistan should review its 78-year-long Afghanistan policy. He remarked that no Afghan government, from Zahir Shah to Ashraf Ghani, had ever been friendly toward Pakistan, questioning whether this reflected a failure of Pakistan’s own policy. He stressed the need for self-accountability rather than placing blame solely on Afghanistan.

Legislation and Religious Concerns

He criticized recent legislative amendments, stating that several laws were passed in contradiction to the Quran and Sunnah, despite constitutional provisions requiring otherwise. He cited the under-18 marriage bill, domestic violence legislation, and the Transgender Act, alleging these were enacted under international pressure rather than religious principles. He said dialogue on these issues was necessary and that his party was open to discussion.

Religious Institutions

The JUI-F chief said religious institutions should not be singled out unfairly, noting that Pakistan lags behind globally in many sectors such as judiciary and commerce, while religious education institutions rank highly internationally and deserve recognition and respect.

Role of Institutions

He reiterated that Pakistan’s defense position has improved and should be maintained, welcoming a strong national defense. However, he emphasized that political authority belongs to civilian institutions. Strengthening all state institutions under constitutional supremacy, rather than competing for dominance, was essential for national progress, he added.

Gaza and Foreign Deployments

On the issue of Gaza, Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly opposed sending Pakistani troops or joining any peace force there. He recalled past experiences, including Pakistan’s military role in Jordan against Palestinians, which he said Palestinians have not forgotten. He warned that such deployments are not peacekeeping missions but combat operations and urged Pakistan not to repeat such mistakes.

Afghan Refugees

Addressing the issue of Afghan refugees, he said Pakistan’s grievances should be directed at the Afghan government rather than refugees who have lived in Pakistan for over 40 years. He stressed that refugees should be treated as guests and highlighted their contribution to Pakistan’s economy, warning that the withdrawal of Afghan deposits from banks could destabilize the financial sector. He called for a comprehensive policy to utilize Afghan refugees’ skills for Pakistan’s benefit.

Elections

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also claimed that the 2018 and 2024 general elections were not driven by public mandate but were controlled by the establishment.