Latest news with #JamiatUlema-e-Islam-Fazl
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Grand jirga briefs Fazl on tribal concerns
A delegation representing the grand tribal jirga called on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad on Tuesday to apprise him of the prevailing situation in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The delegation expressed serious reservations over the government's committee constituted to look into matters related to FATA. During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the functioning and credibility of the committee, raising questions about its mandate and representation. Seeking greater engagement at the highest level, the delegation appealed to the Maulana to help arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formally present their concerns. In this context, the delegation requested the formation of a dedicated committee to prepare for and pursue the meeting with the premier. They also urged the JUI-F chief to personally lead the committee in order to ensure their demands are communicated with the necessary weight and clarity. Responding to the request, the JUI-F supremo assured the tribal representatives of his complete support, vowing not to leave them in the lurch. "We will soon meet the prime minister and convey your concerns in clear terms," the Maulana assured the delegation, committing to take up the matter at the highest political level. It is pertinent to note that the federal committee tasked with exploring the revival of the traditional jirga system in K-P has stirred political tensions, with PTI accusing the Centre of trying to reverse the 2018 tribal merger. Formed last month for "effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism", the committee met earlier this month to chart its course. However, the meeting quickly hit political headwinds as PTI, which governs the province, alleged that the federal initiative was a veiled attempt to undo the hard-won integration of the tribal areas.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
JUI-F jirga also rejects committee on ex-Fata
Listen to article A tribal jirga organized by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has expressed serious reservations about a committee formed to restore the traditional jirga system in the merged tribal districts, which were earlier part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) The jirga held in Peshawar on Sunday also declared that a decision taken with regard to the merged districts without proper public representation and consultation would be unacceptable. The jirga led by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman brought together tribal elders and leaders from the merged districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Senior leaders like Maulana Jamaluddin, Maulana Abdul Rasheed, Malik Nasrullah Khan, Malik Shaheen, Malik Khan Marjan, Mufti Baitullah, Malik Nadir Manan, Abdul Khaliq Pathan, MNA Mufti Misbahuddin, Malik Shireen, and Dr GG Jamal addressed the gathering and presented key recommendations. In a statement issued by the JUI-F, the jirga expressed concern about the rising incidents of terrorism and targeted killings in the former tribal districts, and demanded urgent and effective measures to ensure peace and protect lives and property in the region. The jirga also rejected the recently proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, terming it against the interests of the tribal population and the country at large. It emphasized the need to re-engage tribal leaders and Pashtun representatives to devise a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for the region's future. The participants reiterated that no imposed solution would be acceptable in the tribal belt without the voice and will of the people Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a special committee on the merged districts which on July 1 initiated deliberations on revival of the traditional jirga system in former Fata. These districts, earlier called agencies, were merged with the K-P in early 2018 through the 25th Constitutional Amendment. During the July 1 meeting, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam as the chairman of the committee stressed the need for an alternative justice system rooted in tribal customs but aligned with constitutional principles. The committee also decided to form a sub-committee to draft recommendations and agreed to hold its next session in the K-P's capital, Peshawar. The ANP and the PTI have already rejected the committee, which, they claim, does not represent the people of the merged districts.
Express Tribune
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazl rejects Trump Nobel nomination
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has lashed out at the United States and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's nomination of US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, asserting that peace and Trump cannot coexist. Speaking at a conference in Battagram on Sunday, the JUI-F emir sounded alarms over Washington's renewed efforts to rally Muslim countries behind it. "America is once again saying we should walk together this same America that has abandoned us many times before," he said. "Now it wants to unite on the basis of Prophet Ibrahim's lineage, but how can we forget the atrocities in Palestine, and the blood that was shed in Libya, Egypt, Syria and Jordan? How can we forget the injustices faced by Muslims?" The JUI-F emir said that the party stood with Iran against Israel and was ready to defend the Haramain. "We are determined to unite the Muslim Ummah." "When our country needs it, we will declare jihad and offer our lives for the defence of this nation," he added. The conference in Battagram drew a significant crowd, with senior JUI-F leaders and provincial office bearers present, including Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Nasser Mahmood, Maulana Amjad Khan, Mufti Nisar Ahmed, Maulana Khurshid Ahmed, Maulana Ghulamullah, Bakht Nawaz Khan and Shah Hussain Khan. During their speeches, the JUI-F leaders also blasted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, accusing it of unprecedented corruption and financial mismanagement. "The current provincial government has broken all records of corruption," Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said. "In just one year, Rs1.1 billion was spent on food and hospitality alone. Just imagine how much was siphoned off for personal and unofficial use." The leaders also expressed frustration over the worsening situation in Battagram. "People here are suffering badly. Elected representatives are busy filling their pockets while citizens are trapped in hunger, inflation, unemployment and lawlessness," one speaker said. Calling on voters to back the JUI-F at the ballot box, they said that if the public entrusted the party with power through the strength of their vote, they would change the face of this country. "We will use national resources for the welfare of the people and place Pakistan among the ranks of great nations." Tight security arrangements were made for the conference, with a heavy police presence and hundreds of JUI-F volunteers on duty.
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM announces new era with Pak-US ties
ISLAMABAD: America's 249th birthday bash in Islamabad went full throttle on Wednesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a bold 'new era' in US-Pakistan relations – reminding everyone that Washington was one of Pakistan's earliest backers way back in 1947. At a glittering Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy – a full month before July 4 – PM Sharif declared that Pakistan and America were stepping into a 'new era' of relations, while tossing sharp jabs at India and tipping his hat to Donald Trump. 'This is a new chapter,' Sharif told a high-profile crowd packed with political bigwigs, top brass, civil society members, and diplomats. 'We're committed to strengthening Pakistan-US relations. Both countries believe in democratic traditions and the supremacy of the constitution.' Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja were amongst the politicians that joined the ceremony. PM Sharif said that the US was one of the first nations to recognise Pakistan after its 1947 independence. He thanked Washington for decades of development support – but made sure no one forgot the cost Pakistan has paid fighting terror. 'We've lost over 90,000 lives. Our economy's taken a $150 billion hit,' he said. 'Pakistan's sacrifices in counterterrorism are second to none.' On this occasion, PM Sharif slammed India over the recent four-day war between the two nuclear armed rivals, branding the Pahalgam incident as a false-flag operation and accusing New Delhi of using the tragedy to target civilians. 'We called for an international investigation – India responded by bombing us,' he said, adding that Pakistan had responded in kind by shooting down six Indian aircraft. Still, the prime minister stressed his desire for regional peace. He credited international efforts, including those by US President Trump, for helping to de-escalate hostilities and secure a ceasefire. 'We appreciate President Trump's efforts in promoting peace and economic cooperation.' Meanwhile, acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker opened with a warm 'As-Salaam-Alaikum' – in Urdu, no less – as she spoke of shared values, mutual respect, and a future rich with potential. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Fazlur Rehman's stance on child marriage bill sparks online criticism
Listen to article Maulana Fazlur Rehman's announcement to protest against the child marriage bill has sparked widespread discussion online. President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years. The new legislation criminalises the solemnisation of marriages where either the boy or girl is underage. In response, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday announced a nationwide protest against the government's proposed legislation aimed at restricting child marriages, arguing that the bill contradicts Islamic teachings and threatens Pakistan's religious identity. Many users criticised the move, questioning why such a stance was being taken on an issue concerning child protection. Numerous users criticised religious leaders for opposing a law aimed at protecting minors. One user remarked that these groups have never protested against child abuse but are enraged by the child marriage bill. READ MORE: NA passes bill criminalising child marriage Photo: ScreenGrab Photo: ScreenGrab Others emphasised the importance of confronting religious conservatives who are using religion to justify child marriages, warning that failure to resist would only embolden such views further. Several voices on social media called for organised counter-protests by the rational and progressive segments of society to stand up against the protesters opposing the bill. Photo: ScreenGrab Users argued that defending children's rights should be a non-negotiable priority and expressed strong support for the new law, highlighting that early marriage often leads to severe health, psychological, and social consequences for children, especially girls. READ MORE: Child marriages plague impoverished girls Under the new law that banned the underage marriage of boys and girls alike, violators face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000, while a man over 18 marrying an underage girl may face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years. Courts are also empowered to intervene and protect the identities of those reporting such cases. Despite the bill's clear intent to safeguard children from exploitation, it has faced fierce opposition from religious political parties and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) . The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly criticised the CII for raising objections to the recently passed Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, calling the move a serious attempt to hinder vital child protection legislation. READ MORE: CII takes exception to child marriage bill Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Fazl claimed the proposed law is being influenced by foreign agendas. 'Pakistan's identity is Islam, and that identity is under threat,' he said, warning that the bill undermines the country's core values. Fazl accused the government of drafting the legislation based on demands from international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations (UN), rather than adhering to Islamic principles. 'The UN's stance is being used to pass laws against early-age marriages. The President is also refusing to sign the religious seminaries bill,' he added. The JUI-F leader criticised the proposed law as violating the Quran and Sunnah, asserting that such moves weaken democratic processes and inadvertently strengthen extremist narratives. 'Democracy is losing its case, and such actions are empowering the narratives of armed groups,' Fazl warned.
