Maulana Fazlur Rehman claims to be putting pressure on party members over a draft constitutional amendment

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has firmly rejected the government’s initial draft for a proposed constitutional amendment, stating: “We also reject it today.”

He made these remarks during a joint press conference with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership. PTI Chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that an agreement has been reached between him and the JUI-F chief on several issues.

Rehman emphasized that discussions and consultations on this issue have been ongoing for the past three weeks. He claimed that members of his party are under pressure and attempts are being made to buy their loyalty.

During the press conference, Rehman stated that extensive negotiations have been held with the government on the constitutional amendment, and representatives of both parties have met several times.

“We rejected the government’s first draft and stand by that decision. If we want to make progress through understanding, we welcome it,” he added. Although some agreements have been reached, controversial issues remain subject to discussion, he insisted.

He noted that he had recently held lengthy discussions with Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and that the day before he had had a four-hour discussion with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif about the issues at hand.

Rehman emphasized that PTI, as a major opposition party, should not be overlooked. He praised the party’s positive position on the constitutional amendment and recognized its openness to constructive dialogue. He also emphasized that representation from political parties, bar associations and the Pakistan Bar Association should be included in the amendment process.

However, he expressed concern over the government’s perceived lack of seriousness towards their conciliatory approach, alleging that JUI-F members had been harassed and kidnapped.

“One of our members has been kidnapped while others have received threats or offers of substantial bribes,” he revealed. He also mentioned that a member of Akhtar Mengal’s party faced a similar situation.

Rehman warned that if the government does not stop its intimidating tactics by tomorrow morning, it will take a strict stance in response. “Our sincerity and seriousness are being mocked. We have issued notices to our members under Article 63(A), which mandates compliance with party policy,” he said.

He further stated: “If the government continues its coercive tactics of passing a controversial amendment, we will declare that this nominated parliament does not have to pass any significant constitutional legislation. In that case we will not participate in any parliamentary procedures.”

Attorney Gohar indicated that they had approached the discussions with an open mind and had committed to cooperation from the start.

He reiterated his concerns over the kidnapping and intimidation of their assembly members. “Despite these issues, we have participated in every meeting to ensure that the draft is presented to us,” he added.

Expressing serious reservations about the government’s conduct, he said: “We have been part of this process along with Maulana. However, if the harassment of our members continues, the usefulness of the legislation comes into question. If the government intends to adopt laws unilaterally, we will withdraw from the process.”

He warned that if the government’s approach does not change, progress on the constitutional amendment would not be possible.