Fazl irate over fresh law on detentions

LONDON:

We removed Article 8 from the agenda during the 26th Constitutional Amendment, but now bringing a law that allows the military to detain anyone for three months based on suspicion, with the possibility of extension, shows a disregard for this exclusion, asserted Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Speaking to the media in London, he said protecting the Constitution is the responsibility of the rulers. "The 26th Constitutional Amendment was not forcibly approved; rather, the government's initial draft contained 56 clauses. They kept agreeing to withdraw their clauses, and when a 22-clause draft was finalised, we added five clauses, creating a draft with 27 clauses. This was then approved by both houses."

He said the law to allow detentions negates the rights of the people, and suggests that they are representatives of the establishment, not the people. "Their behavior supports our opinion about the election results. They have no concern for the public, but instead aim to empower the already powerful, which highlights the weakness of politicians."

He said the assemblies are managed, and if the establishment grants someone the presidency or a provincial government, they will demand services in return.