Proposed constitutional package aimed at protecting incumbent rulers: Fazl
1. Govt will continue to woo Maulana Fazl and try to address his concerns over amendments, says Khawaja Asif
**Govt will continue efforts to address Maulana Fazl's concerns on amendments: Khawaja Asif**
*By Web Desk | September 21, 2024*
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the government will persist in trying to address Maulana Fazlur Rehman's concerns over the proposed constitutional amendments, emphasizing that it is important to remain hopeful in politics. Asif's comments were made during a Geo News program, where he advised the JUI-F chief not to doubt the intentions of the ruling parties.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), once again criticized the proposed amendments, claiming they are designed to protect the coalition government rather than introduce reforms. Speaking at a press conference in Multan, he predicted the government might not complete its tenure, warning that the amendments could disrupt the balance of power among state institutions.
The amendments were reportedly pushed forward amid speculation about a possible extension for Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, set to retire in October. Fazl expressed frustration that the government had not disclosed the full details of the proposed amendments and refused to engage in negotiations until his party received a draft. He also mentioned concerns over discrepancies in the versions provided to his party and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Fazl revealed that during a meeting with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, both parties agreed to prepare their own drafts of the constitutional amendments. He emphasized that the JUI-F would not support any amendments that were not based on judicial reforms and warned against reducing citizens' fundamental rights.
Despite multiple efforts by the PML-N and PPP leadership to win over Fazl, the JUI-F has remained firm in its opposition. The government, short of the necessary votes in both the National Assembly and the Senate, has indefinitely postponed its attempt to pass the amendments.
Fazl clarified that while the JUI-F and the PTI have been in contact regarding the constitutional package, there is no formal alliance between the two. Both parties, traditionally rivals, found common ground after expressing concerns over alleged interference in the February 8 general elections. He vowed that the JUI-F, with its presence in both the National Assembly and Senate, would prevent any harmful legislation and protect the Constitution and judiciary.
PTI Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar supported Maulana Fazl's stance, noting that both the JUI-F and PTI share concerns over the amendments. Zafar suggested that Fazl might share his draft of the amendments with the PTI. However, he acknowledged that even with JUI-F's support, the government lacks the numbers to pass the constitutional package.
