Constitutional amendments: Any ordinance to be based on malice, says Fazl

MULTAN: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Friday the government was creating ambiguity over constitutional amendments and provided a different draft to the JUIF.

Speaking at a press conference at the Jamia Qasimul Aloom here, he said civil rights were not protected in the proposed amendments and the role of the military was enhanced. He said that in principle, he was not in favour of civilians’ trials in military courts. He said that if an ordinance was brought regarding the constitutional amendments, it would be based on malice.

The JUIF rejected not only the constitutional amendments but would also reject the ordinance. He said recent developments were affecting the system regarding appointment of judges. The JUIF rejected any proposal going against the public interest. Every institution has its scope which is determined by the Constitution. The parliament is not interpreting public aspirations.

He said that currently the JUIF had no formal alliance with the PTI. They can talk to the PTI on parliamentary issues. They are guarantors of fundamental rights and would not support undermining the Constitution, judiciary and any institution. He said the government provided three drafts on constitutional amendments and all were different. “We demand fresh elections as the government has lost people’s trust and is not viable to run.”

Asked whether the government would complete its tenure, he said he did not think so. He said 60,000 cases of common people were pending with the Supreme Court of Pakistan and 2.4 million with lower courts.