JUI-F Dismisses Claims of Pressure on Maulana Fazlur Rehman
JUI-F Blocks Amendment Amid Fears of Rights Infringement
JUI-F Dismisses Claims of Pressure on Maulana Fazlur Rehman Regarding Constitutional Amendment.The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) has strongly rejected claims made by journalist Hamid Mir, who suggested that party leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman was facing pressure to support a contentious constitutional amendment and join the federal cabinet. When questioned about allegations that Fazlur Rehman was not only under pressure from the federal cabinet but also from a foreign ambassador, he firmly stated, “No, there is no such thing.”
The proposed legislation, referred to as the “26th Constitutional Amendment,” seeks to establish a fixed three-year tenure for the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Although the government intended to introduce this amendment in both the National Assembly and the Senate on Monday, it was unable to do so over the weekend despite extensive efforts to garner support. The government struggled to persuade Fazlur Rehman after prolonged attempts to win him over.
Mir claimed that a faction within the federal cabinet had arranged for Fazl to be contacted and urged him not only to back the government but also to accept a cabinet position. He alleged that some cabinet members believed they could secure the support of the religio-political leader with just a phone call. However, he emphasized that Fazlur Rehman remained resolute in his stance.
According to Mir, after Fazl “politely refused” requests from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his vote on the amendment, the government sought outside assistance to persuade him. Mir argued that the “unnecessary pressure” was unwelcome and noted that the proposed constitutional amendment had not been formally presented to Fazl.
The journalist further asserted that the government was continuing its efforts to gain Fazlur Rehman’s backing, as well as the approval of leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Mir also highlighted that the JUI-F chairman opposed the appointment of the Chief Justice of Pakistan within the constitutional court, requesting that the government postpone any decisions until the current Chief Justice retired. He mentioned that the PTI suggested a dialogue regarding the release of four individuals, while the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) requested the release of 2,000 people for their vote.
Mir stated that there were multiple drafts of the controversial constitutional amendments, noting that the version presented to the JUI-F was the third iteration. He indicated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) became concerned after comparing it with earlier drafts, and that members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reprimanded three senators who sought the “real draft.” According to Mir, these senators became frustrated and went to Parliament Lodges, turning off their phones. He claimed they would consider resigning if pressured by the party.
In response to whether the government was destabilizing itself, Mir pointed to comments made by Independent Senator Faisal Vawda, suggesting that perceptions of governmental incompetence should not be overlooked, given their context.
Mir contended that the PML-N had positioned Bilawal Bhutto Zardari forward after failing to pass legislation. He added that the government was likely to propose new legislation for “face-saving” that would need to be acceptable to the PPP, JUI-F, and PTI. However, he cautioned that if this did not materialize, there were indications from within governmental circles that some cabinet members were anxious about their future and uncertain about what lay ahead.
Fazlur Rehman congratulated nation, Imran Khan unnecessary element of the country politics
While, JUI-F Blocks Amendment Amid Fears of Rights Infringement. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) captured significant attention in Pakistan’s political landscape over the weekend as it put the government under pressure regarding a contentious constitutional amendment. Kamran Murtaza, a legal expert for the party and a key advisor to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, raised several objections after reviewing the proposed legislation.
Murtaza emphasized his concerns, particularly regarding limitations on fundamental rights. “I had objections to many aspects,” he stated.
Reports indicated that multiple drafts of the amendment were produced in response to JUI-F’s concerns. Throughout Sunday, government officials made several visits to Fazl’s residence, attempting to delay parliamentary sessions while seeking support for the bill.
As the day progressed, the government eventually persuaded Fazlur Rehman to attend a parliamentary special committee meeting. During this session, he suggested postponing the introduction of the bill by one day. However, this delay was not implemented the following day as the government struggled to secure the party’s backing.
Murtaza specifically highlighted his objections to proposed changes to Articles 8 (Fundamental Rights) and 199 (Jurisdiction of High Court), arguing that these amendments would infringe on basic rights and diminish judicial powers. He criticized the inclusion of an exception for the armed forces, stating it was structured to impose further restrictions on citizens.
He expressed concern that amendments labeled under “national security” would revoke the courts’ right to a hearing, describing “national security” as a vague term that could lead to further limitations on fundamental rights.
Murtaza revealed that the original draft contained 56 clauses, including provisions related to Article 9 (Security of Person). He noted that the establishment of a constitutional court is a longstanding demand that warrants discussion.
He also asserted that amendments should not be tailored to specific individuals, particularly pointing out changes that removed the term “consent” concerning the transfer of high court judges.
In discussing recent meetings between Fazlur Rehman and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding the legislation, Murtaza expressed skepticism about the PPP’s willingness to support anything that could undermine parliamentary authority. He remarked, “The original draft also aimed at diminishing the powers of Parliament and the people, transferring them elsewhere.”
Murtaza noted that the PPP had yet to share its draft of the constitutional amendment with the JUI-F.
He mentioned that fellow parliamentarians, including MQM-P’s Faisal Sabzwari and PML-N’s Anusha Rehman, seemed unaware of the specifics of the amendments during the special committee meeting. Murtaza even wrote down the contentious parts of the legislation for Sabzwari when he inquired quietly.
When asked about the draft’s origin, he stated, “It came from our brothers,” suggesting internal political sources.
Murtaza reaffirmed the JUI-F’s stance, declaring that the party would not endorse any legislation that compromises fundamental rights. “The JUI-F won’t support any form of coercion,” he asserted, emphasizing the need to uphold the rights enshrined in the Constitution.
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