ISLAMABAD: Acknowledging mistreatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday told Afghan authorities that he raised his voice on this issue.

On the last day of his visit to the neighbouring country, Maulana Rehman met with the de­­puty prime minister, Interior Minister Siraj­uddin Haqqani, and other cabinet members.

The JUI-F statement at the conclusion of his six-day visit to Afghanistan mentioned that the party chief met several cabinet members and high-ranking officials, assuring the Islamic Emirate of all possible cooperation.

Meanwhile, the senior party leaders acknowledged that the JUI-F chief had a meeting with the head of the Afghan government Mulla Hibatullah and discussed measures to eradicate the ‘thorns’ in the relations between the two countries.

On the other hand, several party leaders denied social media reports suggesting that the JUI-F chief also met with senior militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

Emphasises legal and structured Pak-Afghan trade

The JUI-F statement mentioned that Maulana had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, flanked by Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mullah Amir Muttaqi, and others.

Mullah Baradar highlighted that the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” was a safe and peaceful country, and said that they were suffering from negative propaganda.

Mullah Yaqub termed Maulana Rehman’s visit a timely move that will help reduce tension between the two countries, expressing confidence that the situation would change soon.

The commerce minister of Afghanistan emphasised higher trade volumes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, Mr Rehman stressed that trade between the two countries must be legal and structured.

In another meeting, Mr Haqqani briefed Maulana Rehman about the internal situation in Afghanistan, expressing a desire for cordial relations with Pakistan.

Minister for Refugees Haji Khalilur Rehman, present in the meeting, expressed concerns over the expulsion of (illegal) Afghan refugees from Pakistan, stating that the mistreatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan should end.

He emphasised that the government of Pakistan should have given time for Afghan refugees for voluntary return.

The JUI-F chief stated that his party had raised its voice over the mistreatment of Afghan refugees by Pakistan.

The JUI-F acknowledged that the party chief’s visit to Afghanistan has nothing to do with the government or any authority in Pakistan.

Airport hooliganism

Meanwhile, a minor clash occurred outside the arrival lounge of Islamabad International Airport between individuals, allegedly supporters of the PTI and supporters of JUI-F.

While Maulana Rehman was being welcomed by party workers after arriving from the arrival lounge, some individuals on the upper floor raised slogans against JUI-F and in support of PTI leadership.

Unaware that party workers were also present recording footage, a quarrel ensued, resulting in one individual being trapped among the clerics, who severely thrashed him, while the others accompanying him escaped the scene.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2024