JUI-F won't back CJP Isa on amendments

Despite the government's push to secure critical backing, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) firmly reiterated its refusal on Friday to support the constitutional package proposing sweeping changes to the Constitution.

Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Secretary General and member of the National Assembly, declared that JUI-F would not endorse Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

He criticised CJP Isa's decision in the Mubarak Sani case, stating that it was 'deliberately' made to hurt the sentiments of many Muslims, adding that the decision was reversed only due to public pressure.

"How can we support such a person in constitutional amendments?" Ghafoor questioned.

The JUI-F leader also voiced concerns over the government's haste in pushing forward with constitutional amendments, saying that coalition parties were not properly consulted.

"We requested negotiations on the amendments, but the draft was shared with us under an oath of secrecy," he added.

Abdul Ghafoor further highlighted the lack of transparency in the legislative process, particularly regarding human rights violations found in the government's draft.

He noted that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) had requested to see the draft before engaging in negotiations, but the government did not take the process seriously.

Commenting on the ongoing debate about the constitutional court, Abdul Ghafoor said that JUI-F will form its stance once it receives the official draft and can review its contents.

He added that his party would not compromise on principles for political positions like governorships.

He also mentioned the alleged involvement of the establishment in the current amendments, saying that any attempt to make institutions controversial would not send a positive message.

It is pertinent to note that just weeks after a retreat on a constitutional amendment package, reports emerged on Thursday that the government intends to present the proposal to Parliament shortly, aiming to gather the necessary support for its passage.

"The constitutional package is expected to be introduced in Parliament during the first week of October," the PML-N's parliamentary leader in the Senate said during a press briefing.

However, Siddiqui acknowledged that securing approval for the amendments, particularly in the Senate, would require the backing of JUI-F, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

He indicated that the coalition government has been in discussions with the JUI-F chief, who supports the idea of a constitutional court but seeks clarity on essential matters such as the number of judges, their appointment process, tenure, retirement age, and the overall service structure.