Maulana Fazlur Rehman Urges Political Unity on Constitutional Amendment and Opposes Western Influence

In a recent speech at the *Istihkam-e-Pakistan Conference* in Taunsa Sharif, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman highlighted his party’s role in shaping the 26th Constitutional Amendment, stating that JUI-F was the only political force that posed significant opposition to the government’s proposed changes, reducing the original 56 points to 34. He warned that any harm to this constitutional amendment could jeopardize the clause on the abolition of interest (usury) set for January 1, 2028.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman elaborated on JUI-F’s efforts to ensure that an *constitutional court* be formed to address political cases, although they eventually agreed to an *constitutional bench* based on proposals from other opposition parties. He emphasized that JUI-F’s stance has always been aligned with consultations from opposition parties and that they have not taken any decisions without mutual agreement.

On international matters, Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes in Gaza. He called for a national convention to be convened in Islamabad within a week to make a unanimous decision on the issue, stating, “To live with determination is life, retreating is death.”

He further criticized the role of the United States and other Western countries, accusing them of diverting attention from the Gaza issue and participating in the massacre of Muslims in Gaza. He reiterated JUI-F’s commitment to resisting Western influence, asserting that despite being urged to submit to American and Western pressures, Pakistan would continue its struggle against tyranny.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also discussed the ongoing debate over eliminating interest from Pakistan’s financial system, stating that after 77 years, this issue remains unresolved. He affirmed that JUI-F’s efforts have ensured that the constitution now mandates the elimination of interest by January 1, 2028.

In his address, the JUI-F leader also drew attention to the ongoing crises in various Muslim countries, asserting that Muslims are often blamed for terrorism, while those truly responsible for sowing chaos are the ones causing widespread destruction globally.