JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has cautioned the government against ending the consultation process on constitutional amendments if “coercive measures” continue, following reports that some opposition lawmakers are facing extreme pressure to support the legislation.
Fazl expressed his concerns to reporters in Islamabad after a meeting with a PTI delegation, stating, “We have received reports indicating that our reconciliation process is not being taken seriously. While discussions are ongoing, our parliamentarians are being harassed and abducted.”
Accompanying Fazl were PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, and Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Hamid Raza. Earlier, a BNP-M women senator also voiced her complaints in the House, alleging she was being pressured to vote for the constitutional amendment.
Fazl highlighted the serious situation, noting that one of his party’s lawmakers had been abducted, another received threats, and yet another was offered money.
“If these tactics continue, we will have no choice but to halt the talks,” he asserted. He stressed that his party would not tolerate such coercive measures, urging respectful dialogue in politics. “You cannot undermine our seriousness. This approach won’t work. I demand changes by tomorrow morning, or we will announce tougher decisions,” he warned.
In discussing his meeting with the PTI, Fazl noted that his delegation had informed them about the discussions’ progress. He described the PTI’s response as positive and mentioned that certain points were under consideration.
Fazl also called for increased representation in the special committee on constitutional amendments, suggesting that it should include members from the bar council and the Supreme Court Bar Association for an open debate on the draft.
When asked who was behind the constitutional amendment, Fazl implied that a significant figure was involved, prompting PTI leaders to joke about the identity of this “big man.” He later suggested that Mohsin Naqvi might be linked to the initiative.
PTI Chairman Gohar confirmed that the draft, once consensus is reached, would be shared with party founder Imran Khan. He reiterated their commitment to moving forward under Fazl’s leadership.
Gohar also raised concerns about PTI MNAs facing harassment and noted that similar issues had been discussed with Fazl. “We have another meeting tomorrow, and we hope to finalize things then,” he said.
Fazl indicated that the JUI-F has notified its lawmakers to vote according to the party’s stance under Article 63A of the Constitution, a directive echoed by Gohar for the PTI.
“If coercion is necessary, then why engage in discussion at all? If this controversial amendment passes, can it truly be called democracy? We will contend that this ‘named Parliament’ has no right to introduce such an amendment,” he concluded.
