JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman has said that relations with the United States should be based on equality and aspirations of the people of Pakistan. He was addressing a public meeting in Mardan on Sunday. He said that Pakistan is a sovereign state and its relations with international community, including the United States, should be based on equality and its interests.
He said that "we don't want war or to fight with any one, rather desire respect of the sovereignty and interests of Pakistan". He said that the people of Pakistan would not accept relationship based on disparity and inequity, and added that the people would reject relationship of master and slave.
He said that despite loss of 35,000 lives, including civilians and security forces personnel, and $170 billion economic losses, the sacrifices of Pakistan were not recognised. He said that the US and its allies had violated international human rights laws and mandate of UN Security Council (UNSC) on a number of occasions and the recent attack on security check posts in Mohmand Agency by US and Nato forces had clear proof of it that had created widespread hatred among people.
The repeated violations of the sovereignty of Pakistan and mandates of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by the United States and her allies compelled the government to review its policy and terms of engagements, he said.
He expressed hope that new terms of engagement with US would be based on equality, respect and reflections of aspirations and wishes of masses.
Referring to last nine years' alliance with the US in war against terrorism, the JUI-F Chief said each Pakistani has received only $2 per year against about $4 to $5 billion foreign aid received during this period.
The JUI-F leader said his party's struggle was not for the government but for supremacy of Islam, rights of people, establishment of peace and addressing challenges faced by the country today.
Fazl said that JUI-F is against an armed struggle and believes in efforts within an ambit of law. He added that legacy of his political struggle would continue for socio-economic empowerment of masses and supremacy of Islam.
Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said people were suffering due to gas and electricity load shedding and urged the Government to take cogent measures to address these issues and provide relief to masses.
He said his party would continue to wage 'jehad' against corruption and favouritism. He said popularity graph of his party has increased manifold in Mardan and would get overwhelming majority in upcoming general elections from there. Later, a resolution, demanding withdrawal of increase in petroleum and gas prices was unanimously passed.