Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F Chief Fazl Warns Against “Excessive Powers” Granted to Institutions
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F), has raised alarms over institutions receiving “excessive powers,” accusing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of undermining democracy.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad ahead of National Assembly and Senate sessions on Monday, he criticized the coalition government for its recent amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act. He highlighted the swift passage of three bills in the lower house, which expanded the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 34, amended the Practice and Procedure Ordinance, and extended the tenures of service chiefs from three to five years, all amid significant opposition protests.
Fazl noted that the JUI-F council had recently held a two-day meeting, during which they expressed satisfaction with the discussions surrounding the 26th Constitutional Amendment. He praised efforts to eliminate interest and amendments related to the Federal Shariat Court and the Council of Islamic Ideology.
Additionally, he mentioned that the council supports new legislation for religious seminaries and considers measures for bank accounts as “stabilizing.” However, he condemned a newly passed act concerning Islamabad’s jurisdiction as “un-Islamic.”
Fazl warned that if new amendments arise, they would not hesitate to advocate for martial law and would take their dissent to the public. He expressed deep concern over what he termed a “mockery” of Islam and called on those in power to reflect on their actions. “I am not bound to implement any un-Islamic decisions or orders,” he stated, reiterating their refusal to accept such rulings.
He criticized the perception that Islamic values are contrary to human rights, asserting that only an atheist would hold such views. Fazl pledged to mobilize public awareness against these actions and announced plans for a “Down with Israel” conference in Peshawar on December 8.
