Fazl rejects outright coalition's draft bill

Maulana says can't breach nation's trust Pours cold water on contentious legislation PTI, JUI-F share concerns

ISLAMABAD:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has become a man of the hour amid heightened political manoeuvrings, has "completely rejected" the controversial constitutional package, dealing a potentially fatal blow to the government's plans at a crucial juncture.

"The draft we were given was reviewed, and it was in no way acceptable," stated the seasoned politician during a media interaction following a luncheon at the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser on Wednesday.

The announcement, which left little room for ambiguity, came as the ruling coalition pulled out all the stops to curry favour with the all-important Maulana, with PML-N and PPP leaders engaging in a whirlwind of meetings. Despite the efforts, the attempts to turn the tide were in vain.

The government had initially claimed it had the "magic number" of votes to push the bill through. However, it had to swallow its words as the amendments were put on ice indefinitely after botched attempts to rush it through parliament.

On the other hand, despite their historical rivalry, the PTI and JUI-F have found common ground since the February 8 general elections, expressing concerns over alleged electoral interference and manipulation.

The two parties, often at each other's throats, have now forged a rare alliance over shared grievances.

On Wednesday, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser hosted a luncheon in honour of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with PTI leaders including Omar Ayub, Barrister Gohar, and former President Arif Alvi in attendance.

Addressing journalists, Fazlur Rehman reiterated that they had entirely rejected the government's proposed constitutional amendments.

"It [the draft] was shared with specific individuals, not with everyone," he noted, adding that agreeing to the package would have represented "the biggest breach of the nation's trust."

Asad Qaiser condemned the current government for allegedly hiding the draft from its own parliamentarians. "We do not accept this legislation in any respect," he declared, adding that the draft contained at least 56 amendments.

He further mentioned that the PTI and allied parties would consult to decide their next steps, with the matter likely to be discussed at a lawyers' convention in Lahore the following day.

When asked about any formal government outreach on the issue, Qaiser confirmed that no such contact had been made.

Barrister Gohar, PTI Chairman, pointed out discrepancies in statements from ruling coalition leaders, highlighting Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's claim in parliament that the draft had been shared, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated otherwise.

"Whatever the draft is, both parties [PTI and JUI-F] have rejected it," said Gohar. He did, however, mention that if a new draft was presented by the government, it would be reconsidered.

Regarding the PTI founder's view on cooperation with JUI-F, Gohar revealed that their coordination with Maulana Fazlur Rehman came on the directives of Imran Khan.

In a related development, former President Arif Alvi met with Fazlur Rehman in a bid to sway him as the tussle between the government and opposition over judiciary-focused constitutional amendments intensifies.