Fazl wants judicial package deferred

ISLAMABAD:

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has advised the ruling coalition to defer its plan to table a constitutional amendment package until after the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15-16.

The seasoned politician, whose party's support is seen as crucial for the passage of the amendment package—dubbed the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment—has also urged the opposition, led by the PTI, to postpone their protest plans until after the SCO event.

Speaking to the media at his residence in Islamabad on Thursday, the JUI-F chief welcomed all the heads of states and delegates attending the SCO summit in Pakistan.

Although the current government has failed to stabilize the economy, he said, this conference is hoped to bring positive outcomes for the future of Pakistan.

"We urge both the government and the opposition to set aside their internal conflicts and political differences during this crucial event. The government should also defer the matter of constitutional amendments for the time being, allowing us to send a message of solidarity and unity to the world."

The JUI-F chief, however, also made it clear that his party would not vote for the amendment package "under the present circumstances".

According to the Maulana, the urgency with which the government is handling the matter of constitutional amendment is incomprehensible as there seems to be no visible emergency that justifies the immediate passing of this amendment.

"In the past, we were told that if the amendment was not approved by Sunday, a major crisis would arise on Monday, but nothing of the sort happened. This haste is unacceptable to us in any way.

"We have serious objections to the details and principles in the bill, and we are not prepared to stand with the government at any cost. The government's priorities are perplexing.

"The current government is not a representative government of the people, nor does it have the capability for improvement," he added.

The JUI-F noted that since 1973, there has been a demand for legislation based on the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which the Constitution mandates to be completed within seven years.

"Yet, here we are in 2024, and not a single recommendation has been legislated. However, when it comes to political interests, constitutional amendments are rushed through overnight.

"We spent nine months on the 18th Amendment, and now we are being asked to pass a new amendment within 24 hours, which is entirely unacceptable."

According to Fazl, the current laws and powers are sufficient and there is no need for new legislation or amendments. "Talks of military courts and judicial reforms are also ongoing, and we agree that such reforms are necessary. However, these reforms must be implemented transparently in court decisions and should not become a tool for 'buying and selling' justice," he said.

Talking with reference to the Supreme Court's Thursday ruling in the defection case, Fazl said his party accepts the court's decision regarding Article 63-A. "However, this ruling should not become a means for buying and selling votes. There should be no match-fixing or trading involved," he said.

A five-member Supreme Court bench led by CJ Isa on Thursday unanimously accepted a review petition against its 2022 verdict related to the defection clause under Article 63-A of the Constitution.

Through its May 17, 2022 verdict, the SC had declared that votes cast contrary to the parliamentary party lines in four instances outlined in Article 63-A should not be counted. However, after the Thursday ruling the ballots of lawmakers who vote against party policy will be counted.

The JUI-F chief said whatever strategy they adopt concerning the constitutional amendment package will be in line with their party's stance.

"However, at this moment, we are not prepared to support the government on the constitutional amendment. As of now, we have not received any notice regarding a joint session.

"The question is, why is the government so eager to pass this constitutional amendment? The proposals coming from the government hold no significance for us," he added.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized that practical steps must be taken for the liberation of Palestine, expressing concern over the silence of the Muslim Ummah on the issue. He called for Muslims to unite under a single command.