Fazl slams ineffective anti-terror policy

Says 26th amendment strengthened democracy

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Central Amir Maulana Fazlur Rehman slammed what he called the absence of a "systematic and effective policy to end terrorism and establish peace in the country", warning the authorities to correct their path as people suffer because of insecurity.

Addressing a reception organised by the JUI-F Dera Chapter at Jamiat al-Maarif al-Sharia, Fazl repeated his stance that the February 2024 general elections had been rigged as the candidates who had been declared winners had not been the ones that the people had voted for.

In a hard-hitting address, Fazl painted a grim picture of the law and order situation in the country, saying that people felt insecure even in villages, one province was trying to attack the federation, and the country's institutions were siding with criminals.

"There is no systematic and effective policy to end terrorism and establish peace. We have been given lollipops that we are fighting terrorism. In the name of terrorism, the people, US and China are being blackmailed and our resources usurped," Fazl said.

He said that the resources of the provinces belonged to their people but, unfortunately, "we do not own our own resources. When we raise a voice, we are called traitors. We are called traitors for talking about our rights and resources."

The event, presided over by Maulana Lutfur Rahman, JUI-F Parliamentary Leader in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly, was organised to celebrate JUI-F's role in the passage of Madrasas Registration Act, efforts for abolition of usury system, protection of human rights and the passage of the 26th Amendment.

Through constitutional amendments, Fazl said, "we have strengthened parliament and democracy by foiling attempt to further weaken parliament", adding, "We did not allow them to make the establishment stronger."

He told the gathering that under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Parliament would be bound by the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). "The Islamic Ideology Council would be consulted before enacting legislation," the JUI-F chief said.

"Our Constitution is based on Islam, this country is not a secular country. The purpose of democracy is clear that the will of the people will prevail and the right to rule will belong to the elected people," he said, adding, "Democracy is also bound by Quran and Sunnah."

Fazl again criticised the 2024 election results, saying that although elections had been held, the results had been compiled by someone else. "We said yesterday that the elections were rigged and we have the same stance today," he added.

Fazl also announced plans for the 'Israel Murdabad Conference' in Peshawar on December 8. "This savage Israel is committing atrocities against innocent Muslims. The freedom of Al-Aqsa Mosque is also our duty", he said.