Fazlur Rehman says coalition effectively neutralised opposition to constitutional amendment

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that the coalition had effectively neutralised opposition to the constitutional amendment.

Speaking alongside Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan during a media briefing, he remarked, "Overall, we have broken the fangs of the black snake concerning the constitutional amendment."

Rehman expressed his support for the PTI’s decision to abstain from voting due to the alleged mistreatment of its members, stating, "If PTI is not participating in the vote because of violence against its members, I stand with them."

He also extended his gratitude to PTI for their cooperation, adding, "We have worked together with great effort, but we cannot impose decisions on any party."

Commenting further on the constitutional amendment, he emphasised that it should not be tied to specific judges or individuals, saying, "It’s not just about seniority; fitness also plays a significant role."

Earlier, Rehman had assured the government that his party would support the constitutional amendment in parliament. The deadlock between the government and the JUI-F chief was resolved, the Express News reported.

The JUI-F chief instructed his party’s senators to back the government’s bill, urging full support for the amendment in both the National Assembly and the Senate. "We will support the amendment draft that was presented after consultation with us," he stated.

Following the JUI-F chief's announcement, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supports it or not, their aim is to complete the task today under any circumstances.