Fazl warns against 27th amendment

CHINIOT:

JUI-F Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was instrumental in the passage of the 26th Amendment, has taken a firm stance against the looming 27th constitutional amendment, anticipated for approval next week.

Addressing the media in Chiniot on Friday, Fazlur Rehman declared that the JUI-F would forcefully oppose attempts to pass the 27th amendment.

Commenting on his achievements in the 26th Amendment, he stated, "We have succeeded in passing the 26th constitutional amendment; we will resist the 27th constitutional amendment."

The JUI-F leader urged his followers to remain alert, warning against potential moves to reinstate provisions removed under the 26th Amendment.

He cautioned that any attempt to "use horse-trading votes" for passing such amendments would be met with public disapproval.

He also called on his audience to pledge unwavering commitment to safeguarding Islamic principles, adding that actions undermining religious sanctities would be fiercely opposed.

Expressing confidence in the 26th Amendment's integrity, he noted, "There will be no constitutional crisis from the 26th amendment. We will respond strongly to any arbitrary decisions".

He asserted that the amendment strengthened Parliament's role, with future rulings less prone to influence, effectively shutting the door on questions previously raised against the judiciary.

He further highlighted modifications made to the amendment, from an initial 56 clauses to a final 22, with five more clauses subsequently added back. "This marks a significant accomplishment," he remarked.

Dispelling speculation regarding joining the government, Fazl affirmed, "I have no such plans," and reiterated his opposition to the 27th constitutional amendment, pledging resolute resistance to any proposed changes.

When questioned about Sheikh Rashid's comments, Fazlur Rehman sidestepped divisive rhetoric, remarking, "We will also speak well of Sheikh Rashid".

He emphasized his stance on political freedom, rejecting any revenge-motivated actions against politicians and restrictions on peaceful protests.

The JUI-F chief also expressed satisfaction with the recent approval of a draft law on religious seminaries, initially proposed during his party's tenure, despite JUI-F's reduced representation in the National Assembly.

He credited this approval not to political sway but to divine intervention, reiterating his faith in divine guardianship over religious institutions.

Recalling the contentious Mubarak Sani case, Fazl argued that the judiciary had overreached by venturing into unneeded territory, which ignited protests across the nation.

However, he noted that the Supreme Court eventually engaged religious clerics and leaders in review sessions, resulting in a revised ruling that garnered broader acceptance.

This case, he observed, highlighted the influence of public sentiment on judicial decisions.

In a nod to the judiciary, Fazl extended congratulations to outgoing Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on a productive tenure and expressed optimism for improved justice under incoming Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.

He urged collective support for Afridi, to further justice across the nation, and lauded the "good and undisputed tenure" of Justice Isa.