JUI-F urges govt to let PTI protest

ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rahman, head of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), implored the government not to hinder the PTI's long march headed to Islamabad, emphasizing that protests were a democratic right for all political entities. Addressing the media together with opposition leaders outside his residence, Rahman also encouraged the government to believe in PTI's peaceful demonstration intentions, criticizing government efforts to impede PTI protesters from reaching the capital.

A delegation of opposition parties, comprising Senate opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Akhundzada Hussain, Salman Akram Raja, and others, met with Rahman at his residence, while the JUI-F delegation consisted of Rahman, Senator Kamran Murtaza, and other party officials. Rahman alleged that the dialogue between the government and opposition would have succeeded if secretive elements interfered in the process.

According to Rahman, any dialogue necessitates mutual give-and-take. Rahman stated that democratic and political forces believe in dialogue, and the opposition parties held consultations in parliament, but the authorities' attitude towards the opposition was evident. Without mentioning specific cabinet members, Rahman stated, "We are all Pakistanis and patriots.

We stand with the Constitution and the state. Nobody's loyalty to the country is in doubt, and there should be balance in the country's political arena." Rahman mentioned receiving an invitation from the opposition delegation to join the multi-party conference. Rahman requested the opposition to examine the proposal thoroughly, and both parties would consider it internally.

Rahman also refuted the talk of an anti-terrorism operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting that operations had been carried out from Swat to Waziristan, but residents remained confined due to unrest. He added that the KP provincial government had been impeded by lawlessness, and the situation continued to worsen. "How long will we continue to carry out operations under the guise of combating terrorism?"

Rahman questioned. Speaking at the event, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed that the delegation arrived at Rahman's residence soon after his return from Umrah to welcome him and invite him to the conference. Abbas emphasized that all Pakistanis cannot remain passive concerning the country's predicaments, and the situation was deteriorating daily.

He added that the opposition sought a consensus-based agenda, as an agenda formulated through consultation would incorporate solutions to the country's problems. Abbas said extremist tendencies thrive where political processes are halted and added that Rahman opposes the imposition of governor's rule and emergency in KP. PTI secretary general Salman Akram Raja stated that a rift was created between the public and the state through coercion.

"The struggle of Imran Khan is a fight for the Constitution and the rule of law. We will triumph in this battle," he added.