JUI-P Leader Fazl-ur-Rehman Urges Review of Pakistan's Afghanistan Policy, Warns of Regional Isolation

Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-P), called for a review of Pakistan's policies toward Afghanistan, warning of the country's growing regional isolation.

Speaking at an event at Mufti Mahmood Center, Fazl-ur-Rehman said Pakistan is facing pressures and isolation in the region. He criticized the Pakistani government for espousing two different narratives about Afghanistan.

He noted that despite more than 70 years of policy-making efforts, relations between Islamabad and Kabul have not improved.

Fazl-ur-Rehman urged Pakistan to abandon attempts to keep Afghanistan under its influence and instead recognize a free and independent Afghanistan to promote regional stability. He warned that repeated efforts to change regimes in Afghanistan have complicated the situation and contributed to regional instability.

The JUI-P leader criticized U.S. policies as "dual" and called for Pakistan to steer clear of global rivalries while pursuing "sovereign realism." He highlighted Pakistan's increasing isolation with regard to Afghanistan, India and Iran, pointing out that some regional countries are approaching India.

Fazl-ur-Rehman advocated for a national and unified approach to Pakistan's foreign policy.