Multan, September 20,2024- Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has expressed concerns over the proposed constitutional amendments, stating that the government’s draft limits fundamental rights while increasing the military’s role, which is why his party has refused to support it.
Speaking to the media in Multan, Fazlur Rehman revealed that while the government had withdrawn proposals for extending judges’ tenures and increasing their numbers, it maintained the proposal to establish a Federal Constitutional Court. The JUI-F leader said he told the government that the final draft of the proposed amendments must be shared before any further discussion can take place.
Rehman criticized the government’s reluctance to share the draft earlier, mentioning that a copy was initially given to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and later to JUI-F. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether both copies were identical. “We cannot be sure if anything was added or removed in the new draft. The government expected the parliament to support it without proper preparation,” he added.
After reviewing the draft with his legal team, Fazlur Rehman said they were disappointed. “The constitution guarantees the protection of citizens’ rights, but these amendments grant exceptions to the military and limit fundamental rights while expanding the military’s role,” he remarked. He highlighted that the exemption clause related to the military had been expanded, and the chapter on human rights had been restricted.
Fazlur Rehman also raised concerns about provisions related to the appointment and transfer of judges, including the possibility of transferring a case if the judgment did not favor the government. “Such clauses, even involving high court judges, would severely affect the judicial system,” he warned.
He lamented that “political bargaining” had become a norm in the country but stressed that his party always prioritized principles and the nation’s interests. “We have rejected all proposals that undermine human rights and only serve to protect the government.”
Rehman referenced the Charter of Democracy, noting that the idea of a Federal Constitutional Court was originally present but clearly defined. He pointed out that there are currently over 60,000 pending cases in the Supreme Court and 2.4 million across the country, arguing that the proposed court could help address constitutional cases. However, when the draft was presented, the government lacked the majority needed for approval and was relying on JUI-F’s support, which the party declined due to dissatisfaction with the draft.
The JUI-F chief also shared that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had met with him, and they agreed to create a mutually acceptable draft. “Both of us will prepare our drafts and then share them to reach a consensus, as it is Parliament’s responsibility to create laws. We will not tolerate any restrictions on our role,” he stated. He emphasized that maintaining a balance of power among institutions is crucial, warning that imbalance could lead to the country’s downfall.
