Participants in a gathering of Pakistani religious scholars titled “Unity of the Pakistani Ummah”, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), have called on the governments of Kabul and Islamabad to resolve tensions and disputes between the two countries through dialogue and political solutions.
Kabul 24: In the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman sharply criticized Pakistan’s military policies, stating that justifying attacks on Afghanistan under the pretext of targeting enemies is unacceptable. Addressing Pakistani military officials, he said: “If you attack Kabul on the grounds that your enemies are present there, then why is your reaction different when India conducts operations inside Pakistan to target its own enemies?”
He emphasized that continuing tensions benefits neither side and that the only way out of the current crises is through dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect between neighboring countries.The gathering was held amid escalating challenges and tensions in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations in recent months.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, joined by prominent scholars and religious leaders, issued a joint resolution urging both governments to refrain from unilateral military actions and instead strengthen diplomatic mechanisms and direct talks.
They warned that prolonged tensions could lead to greater regional instability and be exploited by extremist groups.
These remarks come as bilateral relations have significantly deteriorated. Pakistan’s airstrikes on border areas of Afghanistan (particularly in Paktika and Khost provinces), which Islamabad claims targeted bases of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), provoked strong responses from the Afghanistan, leading to the expulsion of diplomats and closure of border crossings.
Fazlur Rehman, who holds considerable influence among Pakistan’s religious scholars, has repeatedly criticized his country’s military approach toward Afghanistan and advocated for a policy based on peace and Islamic brotherhood.
He argues that Pakistan’s security issues should be addressed through internal and political means rather than military actions that result in Afghan civilian casualties.
This meeting and its positions could exert additional pressure on the Pakistani government to shift toward diplomacy, especially as the international community has also urged both sides to exercise restraint.
