Fazlur Rehman says he expects another round of Iran-US talks

MARDAN: Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday said he did not consider the recent US-Iran talks in Islamabad a failure, expressing hope that a second round of negotiations would help restore peace in the region.

Addressing the Dastoor-i-Islam Conference at Mardan Sports Complex, the JUI-F chief said the dialogue between United States and Iran had improved Pakistan’s global image, adding that the country had long aspired to play such a constructive diplomatic role.

He noted that his party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, had fully cooperated with the government by postponing its protest activities to support the talks process. “We are waiting for the next round, which we hope will lead to lasting peace,” he said.

Mr Rehman also stressed Pakistan’s importance on the global stage, citing its population and role within the Muslim world, and reiterated his party’s long-standing demand for an independent foreign policy and a sovereign state.

Turning to domestic politics, he criticised the current system, claiming that key decisions were increasingly being made outside parliament. He alleged that the ruling setup lacked legitimacy and had imposed economic burdens on the public under external pressure.

The JUI-F chief further condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine and accused Narendra Modi of aligning against Muslim interests. He vowed to continue raising national issues and announced a series of upcoming anti-government protests, with the next major demonstration planned in Balochistan.