ISLAMABAD – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that they rejected the government’s initial draft of the proposed constitutional amendment and continue to do so till today.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman mentioned that discussions and consultations on this matter have been ongoing for three weeks, and there is a pressure on their members including attempts to buy them.
In a joint press conference with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized that discussions and consultations on the proposed constitutional amendment have been ongoing for three weeks. He noted that they have held negotiations with the government and met with representatives.
He said, “We rejected the government’s first draft and continue to reject it today. If we are to move forward with mutual understanding, we welcome that. Two days ago, we had an extensive discussion with Bilawal Bhutto, and yesterday we talked for four hours with Nawaz Sharif about this. We have announced the points of agreement, while discussions on the remaining contentious issues continue.”
Maulana Fazl remarked that PTI is a significant opposition party that cannot be ignored. He mentioned that PTI’s attitude towards the constitutional amendment is positive and that they welcome every constructive proposal, promising that the consultation process will continue. He also stressed that representatives from bar councils and the Pakistan Bar Council should be included in discussions regarding the constitutional amendment.
He reported that they have received information suggesting that the government is not taking their conciliatory approach seriously, and their members are being harassed and abducted. He cited an instance where a member of JUI was abducted and is currently at his house, while another received threats, and a third was offered a large sum of money.
Fazl also mentioned an incident involving a member of Akhtar Mengal’s party, stating that if the government continues to use underhanded tactics, they would withdraw from negotiations. He added that if the government communicated with logic, they would respond accordingly, but they would not accept any form of government bullying and would respond in kind to any chosen behavior.
He warned that if the abduction, harassment and attempts to buy members do not cease by morning, the government should remember that they would adopt a very tough stance. He expressed concern that their sincerity and goodwill are being mocked. Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that they have issued notices to their members under Article 63-A, and asked them to adhere to party policy.
He asserted that they would respond to the government’s actions and if the contentious amendment is passed through coercion, they would argue that this nominated parliament does not require such significant constitutional legislation, and they would not participate in any parliamentary proceedings.
Barrister Gohar stated that they joined the discussions with an open mind and had agreed from the first day to move forward together. He stated that they raised concerns about their members being abducted and their families being harassed in the special committee from day one, yet they attended every meeting to ensure the draft was presented to them.
He expressed serious concerns about the government’s behavior, saying that despite participating in negotiations and committee meetings, their members of the National Assembly and Senators are still being harassed. He questioned the purpose of legislation if the government planned to make laws arbitrarily, saying that they would not participate in such a process.
Barrister Gohar added that they and Maulana reached agreements on several issues, but if the government’s attitude remained unchanged, they would not be able to move forward.
