LAHORE: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have announced the launch of a joint platform titled Majlis-e-Ittehad-e-Ummat to voice unified support for the Palestinian people. As part of this initiative, the two religious parties will stage a large-scale rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore on April 27.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Lahore, where JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and JI Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman addressed a range of national and international issues. The leaders emphasized the urgency of standing in solidarity with Palestinians and fostering unity among Muslim political groups.
“The situation in Palestine is a matter of serious concern for the entire Muslim Ummah,” said Maulana Fazlur Rehman. “With Majlis-e-Ittehad-e-Ummat, we aim to build a common voice for justice and peace.”
In a notable development, Maulana Fazl also expressed openness to dialogue with rival political parties, including PTI, suggesting that cooperation could be possible despite differences. “Dialogue is always better than confrontation,” he stated.
On domestic matters, Maulana Fazl sharply criticized the government’s approach to inter-provincial water distribution, calling a new canal project divisive and reminiscent of the long-standing Kalabagh Dam controversy. “Such critical decisions require consensus. This reflects the failure of leadership,” he remarked.
Regarding the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Maulana described it as “merely acceptable,” while Hafiz Naeem firmly rejected it, reaffirming Jamaat-e-Islami’s independent stance on constitutional reforms.
Hafiz Naeem also distanced his party from ongoing calls for early elections, saying, “While the elections were marred by rigging, we are not aligning with those demanding early polls.”
Despite policy disagreements, both leaders agreed on the importance of collaboration for shared causes. “JUI-F and Jamaat-e-Islami may have different approaches, but we can stand together on major national and religious issues,” Hafiz Naeem affirmed.
The press conference concluded with a tribute to the late Professor Khurshid, with Maulana Fazl noting that part of his visit to Lahore was to offer condolences.
The upcoming rally is expected to draw significant public attention, with both leaders expressing confidence that the people of Punjab will show strong support for the cause of Palestine.
