Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), opposed Operation Azm-e-Istahkam, stating that terrorism has increased tenfold since operations began, from the 2001 Mizan Operation to Radd-ul-Fasaad. He emphasized that while they stand with the military in national defense, political interference contradicts the oath of the military itself. Therefore, all institutions, including the military, should adhere to their constitutional boundaries.
During a press conference, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the central executive had completely rejected the February 8 election and its results, and the central council has reaffirmed this decision, reiterating that the election results of February 8, 2024, are unacceptable to them under any circumstances.
He stated that they would continue their movement against the establishment's interference in elections, demanding that the nation's right to vote be restored and new, transparent, and impartial elections be held without the establishment's or intelligence agencies' involvement in the electoral process.
He further said that the central council reviewed the political parties' relations with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and deemed it a political process. He clarified that the government is not capable of addressing or compensating their grievances.
Regarding governmental contacts, he said the issue is very serious and not about convincing or pleasing a single political party but a permanent political issue of the country, on which Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has taken a stand. Until there is agreement on principled matters and guarantees of transparent elections, the words 'convincing' and 'pleasing' are meaningless.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman mentioned that delegations from PTI had also made contact, which the central council reviewed. They expressed that their stance and reservations against PTI have been very serious for the past 10-12 years. If PTI wants to negotiate, they are welcome to do so.
He clarified that they had initially told PTI that if they wanted to resolve differences or address their reservations, they were ready to create an appropriate environment. They have maintained the positive attitudes they defined for the future.
He pointed out that there is still a lack of coherence in PTI's leadership. Delegations come with instructions to settle matters, but so far, they have not officially announced any negotiating team. On the other hand, the Sunni Ittehad Council leader stated yesterday that there cannot be an alliance with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. These are two completely conflicting opinions, making it difficult for them to form an opinion.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader said they have no hesitation in creating a better political environment and do not refuse negotiations or solutions to resolve differences.
He reiterated that the constitution defines the boundaries for all institutions, including the armed forces, and all institutions should adhere to their boundaries, fulfilling their roles as determined by the constitution.
He said the entire nation stands with the military in national defense, but political interference contradicts their oath and the constitution of Pakistan, which they cannot accept.
Regarding the recent announcement of Operation Azm-e-Istahkam, he stated that there is no coherence. Despite numerous operations against terrorism since the 2001 Mizan Operation, the question arises in the public's mind as to why terrorism rates have increased tenfold compared to 2001. The nation has lost confidence.
He mentioned that two days later, a clarification was issued from the Prime Minister's House, so it's unclear which statement people should focus on. There is a state of unrest throughout the country, especially in two provinces, where people feel unsafe and uncertain about returning home safely when they leave.
When asked about Khawaja Asif's statement on the assembly floor accusing the opposition of supporting terrorists, the senior politician responded that when they opposed the operations in 2010, stating that the strategy was wrong, they were told the same thing, but what they said proved correct.
He suggested comparing terrorism rates from 2001 to today and examining the outcomes of the numerous operations. He questioned the purpose of these operations and why the public is being burdened with gratitude if everything is being done for personal gain.
He highlighted the losses suffered by the public due to these operations, including displacement and destruction of homes, without any compensation. The integration of FATA was promised 100 billion rupees annually for ten years for development, approved by the assembly, but seven years later, the funds have not been fully provided.
He questioned whether the state is aware of its responsibilities, pointing out that while they must respect the state and its institutions, when will they fulfill their responsibilities and meet the aspirations of those living in the state.
He emphasized that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam fully supports Pak-China relations and wishes to see them strengthen but lamented that trust for investment in Pakistan has not yet been restored.
He remarked that the US House of Representatives expressed reservations about the February 8 election results, and Pakistan responded by telling the US to stay out of its affairs. He questioned whether this is a diplomatic failure and a failure of Pakistan's lobbying efforts.
He concluded by stating that without waiting for formal alliances, they have decided to continue their struggle from their platform, viewing the process of contacts as positive and political. If a cooperative environment is created among political parties, they will strive to make it feasible.
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