In a fiery and impassioned speech during the National Assembly session, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), called on all Pakistanis to rally behind the country’s defense institutions, declaring that Pakistan is at a critical juncture in the face of rising Indian aggression.
This is a war. In war, there are no flowers—only fire, said Maulana Fazlur Rehman, urging unity and unwavering support for the armed forces.
Declaring Homeland Defense Day and Nationwide Marches
In a significant political gesture, the JUI-F chief announced that the party would mark the current day as “Homeland Defense Day” to honor those standing on the front lines. He revealed plans for two massive million marches, scheduled for May 11 in Peshawar and May 15 in Quetta, aimed at showing public solidarity with Pakistan’s military and reinforcing national resolve.
These marches will send a clear message that the Pakistani people stand united in the defense of their homeland, he stated.
Youth From Religious Schools on the Front Lines
Fazlur Rehman also highlighted the critical role being played by youth from religious seminaries, asserting that many of them are already engaged in civil defense efforts.
The government called for youth to register for civil defense. We responded by assigning the task to Ansar-ul-Islam, he said, referring to the JUI’s volunteer force.
He emphasized that madrasa students were actively participating in national defense, proving their patriotism and dedication during this time of national crisis.
Criticism of Diplomatic Inaction
Despite his strong patriotic stance, Maulana Fazlur Rehman did not hold back his disappointment in the government’s diplomatic response. He criticized the lack of visible and impactful international engagement in response to recent Indian aggression.We are not satisfied with our diplomatic efforts. At a time like this, we need more than just telephone calls—we need strategic alliances,he said.
He urged the government to immediately reach out and engage key allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Afghanistan to form a unified regional stance.
Condemning Indian Attacks on Civilian Areas
The JUI-F leader condemned the recent Indian rocket attacks on mosques, madrasas, and civilian settlements in Pakistan, particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He mourned the loss of innocent lives and praised the Pakistan Army’s strategic and brave response to these provocations.
Our brothers and sisters have been martyred. But our military has responded with strength and dignity, he said.
Standing Together: I Stand in Your Row, You Stand in Mine
Fazlur Rehman made an emotional appeal to both the government and the establishment, declaring that now is not the time for political divisions but for national cohesion.
I do not ask you what your strategy is. In the interest of Pakistan, I stand in your row—and you must also stand in mine,he said, calling for mutual trust and solidarity across institutions.
Warning Against Irresponsible Social Media Behavior
The JUI-F chief expressed concern over the frivolous treatment of national security matters on social media. He said that some individuals were mocking the war situation and displaying a disrespectful attitude toward the military.
This is not the time for jokes. Some people are treating war like an online trend. The government must regulate and, if necessary, ban such harmful behavior that demoralizes the nation and its armed forces, he urged.
Final Call: Unity Above All
Closing his address, Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated that this is a time for national unity, sacrifice, and unwavering support for the country’s defense forces. He made it clear that politics must take a backseat as Pakistan faces a serious threat to its sovereignty.
We are one. We must remain one. Our strength lies in our unity,he concluded.
