On Tuesday, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), paid a significant visit to the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad, where he met with Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam. This meeting was marked by a solemn atmosphere as Fazlur Rehman expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He personally recorded his condolences in the embassy’s condolence book, underscoring the strong emotional and political ties between Pakistan’s religious leadership and Iran.
During their discussion, Maulana Fazlur Rehman did not hold back in condemning the ongoing aggression against Iran, which he attributed to the combined forces of the United States and Israel. He highlighted that this conflict is not isolated but rather an extension of the longstanding Zionist-European occupation of Palestine, a region that continues to suffer from intense turmoil and prolonged warfare. Fazlur Rehman emphasized that the current phase of hostilities against Iran represents a deliberate escalation, triggered by Iran’s unwavering support for Hamas, the Palestinian resistance group.
He further elaborated that the accusations leveled against Iran to justify these attacks are unfounded and serve only as a pretext for aggression. Fazlur Rehman, Iran is not merely defending its own sovereignty but is also standing as a protector of Palestinian rights and dignity. This stance, he argued, places Iran at the forefront of a broader struggle against oppression in the Muslim world.
In this critical juncture, Maulana Fazlur Rehman called for unity among Muslim nations, stressing that internal divisions only weaken the collective strength of the Ummah. He made it clear that JUI-F stands firmly alongside Iran, offering solidarity in these challenging times. He urged Muslim countries to set aside their differences and instead focus their efforts on confronting Zionism, which he described as a common adversary. His remarks also included a sharp critique of the United States, labeling it as an enemy of humanity due to its role in perpetuating conflict and instability in the region.
Moreover, Fazlur Rehman criticized peace initiatives led by what he termed “killers and criminals,” suggesting that such efforts are disingenuous and tarnish the very concept of peace. He questioned the rationale of leaders who expect genuine peace from figures like former US President Donald Trump, implying skepticism about the sincerity of such diplomatic overtures.
On the other side of the dialogue, Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam expressed his appreciation for Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s visit and the role of JUI-F in fostering stronger ties between Pakistan and Iran. The ambassador conveyed optimism, stating that ultimate victory will belong to the Muslim world if it remains united. He described Fazlur Rehman’s visit as a reassuring gesture that strengthens the bond between the two countries during these turbulent times.
This meeting between the JUI-F chief and the Iranian ambassador not only highlighted the ongoing geopolitical tensions but also underscored the importance of solidarity and cooperation among Muslim nations in the face of external pressures. It reflects the broader regional dynamics where religious and political leaderships play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and diplomatic relations.