ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and Political Secretary Sam Fletcher called on JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad. Mutual interests, Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and India, women’s education in Afghanistan, and the return of refugees came under the discussion during the meeting.
Marriott urged support for women’s education, while Fazlur Rehman emphasised considering Islamic and Pashtun backgrounds.
The JUI head highlighted the improving peace situation in Afghanistan, addressing human rights violations. Fazlur Rehman also blamed the West’s support for Israel and called for a reconsideration, stressing the importance of preserving cultural traditions in women’s education.
Other JUI-F leaders were also present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday raised questions over the holding of peaceful elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan amid the deteriorating security situation in the two provinces. In the wake of JUI-F activists losing their lives in terrorist attacks, Fazl emphasised the need for a secure environment for the next general elections.
He questioned the feasibility of holding the elections in K-P districts including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and Lakki Marwat – describing them as plagued by terrorism. “Our activists are being martyred. Two provinces [K-P and Balochistan] are in the grip of terrorism, there are no police personnel in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Lakki Marwat [districts]. How the elections can be held in this situation?” Fazl asked. –Agencies
