JUI-F chief asks why Pakistan is engaging in forums like Gaza Peace Board that began with threats
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Jan 23rd, 2026) Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday condemned the newly proposed legislation regarding the marriage age of individuals under 18, calling it "un-Islamic."
During a speech at a joint session of Parliament, he vowed to defy the law, asserting that he would continue to facilitate marriages for underage individuals, a stance he maintains is in line with Islamic values.
"I consider the law on underage marriages to be un-Islamic," said Maulana Fazlur Rehman. "Had the law been sent to the Islamic Ideological Council, it would have been better. I will not abide by this law and will personally facilitate marriages for those under 18. My strong protest is being recorded in this house, and we will not allow such laws to prevail in this country."
His comments were made in response to the passing of legislation designed to set a legal framework around the marriage of minors.
The JUI-F chief’s remarks sparked a heated exchange in the House, with Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq acknowledging the tension. "It feels like you are under pressure," Maulana Fazlur Rehman said to the Speaker, to which Ayaz responded, "The position of Speaker is one where neither the government nor the opposition is satisfied."
Fazl also lashed out at the lawmakers who supported the legislation, criticizing their approach as superficial and short-sighted. "This is not the kind of politics that addresses the real issues facing the country," he said. "I oppose the mindset that crafted this law."
In addition to his remarks on domestic issues, Maulana Fazlur Rehman turned his attention to the international stage, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He criticized the changes to the Gaza Peace Board’s agenda and expressed his disapproval of US President Donald Trump's policies in the middle East. "Trump is empowering Israel’s aggressive actions and is now threatening Hamas," he said. "The US has already destroyed countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya."
The JUI-F chief also warned of Israel's growing influence in the region, stating, "After attacking Iran, Israel will stand at the Taftan border. The first President of Israel made it clear that their goal is to eliminate a nascent Islamic state. Their intentions are explicit."
Further questioning Pakistan's role in international peace efforts, Maulana Fazlur Rehman asked why the country was engaging in forums that began with threats. "Why is there a ban on Israeli travel in Pakistani passports?" he questioned. "We want peace, but peace must come with clear principles."
On the domestic front, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed his concerns over Pakistan's economic decline, stating that while the rest of the world is experiencing economic growth, Pakistan's economy is on the verge of collapse.
He also criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for failing to take Parliament and the Cabinet into confidence on critical issues. "The Prime Minister has not involved us in important decisions. We are witnessing the country's decline while the government remains disengaged," he added.
