KARACHI: Chief of JUI-F, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Monday, once again expressed his party’s reservations over 27th Amendment and reiterated his demand for fresh general elections in the country for “true Parliament and democracy.” Maulana and Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tissori spoke to the media at the Governor House after a detailed meeting there. JUI-F leaders Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri and Maulana Rashid Mehmood Soomro were also present. The Governor said that during the meeting, many issues of national interest were discussed, which included the terrorist incidents in different areas of the country. He praised the positive role of Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the country, including in the recent tense situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He used his influence on the Taliban government to ease the situation. Similarly, Tissori added, other religious parties deserved to be recognized for their positive contribution. He said the religious leadership through madaris and centres had been contributing a lot to promote Islamic teachings and values that deserved appreciation. The Governor said that he also requested Maulana to support the government and defence forces’ efforts to make the country strong on social, economic and defence fronts. After the worst defeat on 10th May, India is fanning terrorism in KP and Balochistan. It is duty of the Ulemah to stand with the government and our forces for the country’s security and solidarity, he emphasized. He regretted that despite unlimited support and favours to Afghan nation on many occasions over decades, their response to Pakistan is not positive.“We have paid big price for Afghanistan, still suffering, but they have reciprocated negative.” The Governor told the media that as the Governor he had conferred an honorary PhD degree on JUI-F Chief. “It is a great honour for me to confer an honorary PhD degree on Maulana saheb, now we can call him Dr. Maulana Fazlur Rehman,” he greeted. Jamait-i-Ulema Islam (Fazl Group) Ameer, Maulana Fazlur Rehman thanked the Governor for his hospitality and honouring with PhD degree. “I’d prefer to continue as Maulana, instead of being called Dr Maulana,” he remarked in a lighter tone. He spoke of the history of madaris, which started from 1857 in South Asia to protect the Qura’an and Sunnah. On this occasion, he offered full cooperation, on behalf of the Ulemah, if the government wants to compile a unanimous syllabus in the greater national interest; however, he warned of resistance to any attempt to undermine the madaris. “Our madaris are well-organised institutions delivering great service not only to Islam but in promoting modern education. Our education system is much better,” he claimed. About Pakistan’s foreign policy on Afghanistan, he suggested serious discussions at different levels, including in the Parliament, to identify the reasons behind what he called, unfriendly relationship between the two Muslim bordering countries. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s defence position is strong enough. But, he was of the view that the political and constitutional freedom and supremacy may not be compromised in the name of defence. To a media question, he expressed his reservations over 27th amendment, which he described as harmful to the supremacy of the constitution and democracy for which the political parties, the media and the nation as a whole had made great sacrifices and paid a high price. He offered that his party is ready for meaningful dialogue, if any, initiated by the government with sincerity and seriousness to reach a logical conclusion. He repeated his demand for fresh general elections for true democracy and genuine representation of the people in the parliament to safeguard the constitution and democracy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025