If PTI Is a Terrorist Party, Why Did the Government Hold Talks With It? Maulana Fazlur Rehman Asks
LAHORE: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has questioned the government over its negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asking why talks were held with the party if it is being described as a terrorist organisation.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman also called for an in-camera session of Parliament to review the country’s security situation, particularly the growing threat of terrorism, and urged the government to take the nation into confidence.
He said Parliament was the appropriate forum to discuss the security challenges facing Pakistan and provide the public with a clear picture of the situation.
The JUI-F chief said that 250 of his party’s religious scholars and workers had been martyred amid the prevailing wave of terrorism. He questioned whether terrorism was limited to certain areas, asking whether Balochistan was not also facing the threat.
Referring to the political situation following a meeting with the prime minister, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the demands of both the government and the opposition had become clear. However, both sides subsequently accused each other of violating commitments, he added.
He also complained that statements were being made about him indirectly, without explicitly mentioning his name.
Questioning the government’s position on PTI, he asked why negotiations had taken place with the party if it was considered a terrorist organisation.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman further said that he condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of taking a clear position against such acts.
The JUI-F chief reiterated that Parliament should hold a detailed discussion on the country’s security challenges so that the public could be informed about the facts and the steps being taken to address terrorism.
