KARACHI: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday called for an Islamic bloc amid a rapidly changing global and regional situation while warning that the recent aggression against Iran would not remain limited and could eventually engulf Pakistan and the Arab world as well.

Addressing the Wahdat-i-Ummat Conference, organised here in the city, he said it was high time for Islamic countries and their leaders to unite and adopt a common defence, economic and political strategy. He stressed that the Muslim world must stand on one platform to safeguard its collective interests and respond effectively to emerging global and regional challenges.

He said the party had welcomed the defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia setting aside all its differences with the government and it wanted more Islamic countries to become part of the alliance.

“This issue is no longer confined to Al-Quds or Palestine. It has moved beyond the Arab world and reached Iran. I want to awaken both the rulers and the people from the misconception that if Iran suffers, it is only Iran’s problem. If Israel succeeds in overpowering Iran, then it will be standing at Pakistan’s doorstep,” he said.

JUI-F chief addresses Wahdat-i-Ummat Conference

“I also appeal to the Arab world to put aside its differences and adopt a common defence, economic and political strategy. The formation of an Islamic bloc has always been part of the Jamiat’s [JUI-F] manifesto, and the time has now come to turn that vision into reality,” the party chief added.

Regarding domestic issues, he strongly criticised the government and the security establishment over the recent killings of party workers and senior clerics. He also questioned the institutions’ security policy saying they only issue warnings to leaders but fail to formulate any practical strategy on the ground.

“The state is responsible for the protection of people’s lives, property and honour. I want to make it clear that if I am ever assassinated, I will not seek revenge. I will hold the state responsible for my killing. They [security institutions] only inform us and issue threat alerts and even call us advising not to visit certain areas. They were also trying to stop me from coming here [Karachi] but I said I would go. This is not how proper security policies are made.”

He said the JUI-F was not practising politics of extremism but of “principles and love” and urged the parties in government to do the same. He urged the ruling parties and the military establishment to honour their oaths and operate strictly within the constitutional framework and the limits of their institutions.

“If you keep bending the Constitution like a wax nose and turning it wherever you want, then you will be responsible for pushing the country to the brink of destruction,” he added.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026