The chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Fazlur Rehman on Monday called upon the top Indian and Pakistani leadership to lower tension over a row on the Line of Control (LoC) accusing the Indian media of creating anti-Pakistan rant because elections in India were only a “few months away”.
This may be taken as a surprise by many as the JUI-F chief is considered as a politician having a “soft corner” for Indian governments. The JUI-F chief has very close ties with the leadership of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and is a frequent visitor of India.
“Indian leadership is awaiting elections within a few months and this is why anti-Pakistan rhetoric have been increased,” said the JUI-F chief.
In a statement issued by JUI-F spokesman Jan Achakzai, Fazl expressed concern over the increased tension between India and Pakistan on LoC, saying that both neighbours, particularly Indian leadership, had to bring the temperatures down.
He also criticised the “jingoist attitude” adopted by the Indian media in raising tensions between the two neighbours, saying that by raising such tensions, the resolve of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to normalise relations with India, was being “tested”.
He urged the Pakistani media not to emulate the Indian media’s “irresponsible attitude”. He said that both leaderships should not become a hostage to the anti-Pakistani rant and rather they should fringe spoiling events and show maturity in resolving issues between the two countries. He also praised the Pakistan Army for countering unilateral Indian military firing against its posts.
