Pakistan Must Rethink Its Afghan Policy: JUI-F Chief Fazl
News Desk
Islamabad: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has stressed the need for a deeper assessment of Pakistan’s deteriorating ties with Afghanistan, questioning whether there is a real threat of war between the two neighboring countries.
Speaking on Samaa TV’s Mere Sawal With Absar Alam, Rehman emphasized that war would not serve the interests of either Pakistan or Afghanistan and called for a well-thought-out diplomatic strategy.
The veteran politician traced the roots of militancy in the region, highlighting Pakistan’s role in the Afghan conflict. “There is a history linked to terrorism, and the state’s own mistakes have contributed to it,” he remarked.
He recalled that Pakistan had provided refuge to millions of Afghans during the war and became a “base camp” for the conflict, which lasted for over a decade. The JUI-F chief noted that when the United States intervened in the war against the Soviet Union, the government failed to convince people about the nature of the so-called jihad.
Rehman also reflected on the concept of jihad, asserting that while it is a Quranic commandment, its strategic application must be understood in a modern context.
He dismissed the notion that a single religious sect was responsible for the rise of militancy, instead arguing that those who took up arms were accountable for their own actions. “Pakistan is not facing a sectarian conflict, and no one group should be singled out for militancy,” he maintained.
The JUI-F leader distanced himself from new political alliances and stressed his commitment to Pakistan’s existing system. He shared that his party had participated in the All Parties Conference (APC) in Lahore, where they reiterated their stance on strengthening democratic institutions.
He also discussed his diplomatic efforts with Afghanistan, revealing that he had consulted with Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before undertaking a visit.
Rehman expressed concerns over the current state of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, questioning why ties deteriorated despite past cooperation. “We supported the US in the past and even provided them bases. At the same time, we also backed those fighting against the US. Yet, I fail to understand why our relationship with Afghanistan has soured,” he stated.
Calling for a collective national approach, Rehman urged political leaders to move beyond secrecy and engage in inclusive discussions on foreign policy and security matters.
He criticized the practice of selective leaks from high-level discussions, stressing the importance of responsible dialogue. “One side demands confidentiality, while the other insists on transparency. There is a void, and we need to identify who is benefitting from this gap,” he remarked.
Rehman concluded by urging the government to adopt a clear and effective policy to maintain peace with Afghanistan, warning that neither military force nor negotiations alone had proven effective so far. “Pakistan must carefully navigate its relations with Afghanistan through diplomacy, not conflict. A war will only bring devastation to both countries,” he cautioned.
