JUI-F chief Fazl 'shocked' at 'friend' Burney's terror-allegiance' allegations

Islamabad, Nov 24 (ANI): Responding to former Pakistan minister Ansar Burney's call for banning the entry of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazl -ur-Rehman in the United Kingdom, the latter has said that he was in complete shock to hear about Burney's allegations as he always considered him as his friend.

"If I am an enemy, an extremist or has relations with militants, he should have talked of expelling me from the country," the Dawn quoted Fazl, as saying.

"Pakistan is more important for me than Britain. I'm a member of the parliament and chairman of one of the most important parliamentary committees. My whole life is open to the public and people know how much contacts I have with the forces Burni is attributing to me," he added.

Rejecting Burney's allegations that Fazl was promoting religious extremism, the JUI-F chief insisted that he had always been promoting peace and showing the true face of Muslim Ummah, The Nation reported.

'But, if the government or the Army wants to commit a sin I will not be a part of that', he added, referring to the military drive in the tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

Fazl said that the military drive within the country was very unfortunate, as villages after villages were being destroyed and all the political parties were silent over the situation.

'Instead, they (politicians) are appreciating the Army for carrying out the operation, he said, adding that the Pakistan government should be realistic towards these military operations, and accept that it will not prove positive for the country.

Responding to a question, Fazl said that the military drive was not in Pakistan's interest.

'US can never be successful in this region and Pakistani military drive cannot achieve positive outcome unless a policy is devised according to the resolution of the Parliament', he said.

Earlier, Chairman Ansar Burney Trust and Head of the UK based law firm 'Burney Legal Solicitors,' Burney had sent legal representations to the British Home Secretary, Theresa May, demanding the curtailment of any permission granted to Maulana Fazl to enter the UK, and requested that the 'extremist cleric should be banned from ever entering the country,' according to a press statement issued in this regard.

It is noteworthy that Fazl is scheduled to arrive in London to attend a meeting on November 25. (ANI)