Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Chief Jamaat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has said that the new parliament, ushered through fresh elections, must deliberate the issue of the extension of Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure.
In its short order, the three-member bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, directed the government to introduce a legislation within six months and fill the gaps in the reappointment or extension of tenure of an Army Chief by passing a legislation in the parliament.
New Parliament with Fresh Elections
The JUI-F Chief said that a new parliament needs to be erected after fresh elections to debate on the issue of extending Army Chief General Bajwa’s tenure. Speaking at a public gathering in Sukkur district on Thursday, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, “The court has ordered the parliament to introduce legislation.
The JUI-F Chief also accused the PTI-led government of influenced the NAB to undertake a process of political victimization
Even though we respect the directives of the court, this sham parliament does not have the right, the nation’s trust and mandate to legislate on the issue.”
In order to comply with the orders of the Supreme Court, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stressed that existing assemblies must be dissolved and snap polls should be established at the earliest. He stressed, “The illegitimate rulers are now a threat to the country’s security.”
Criticizing the conduct of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the JUI-F Chief said the ruler of Pakistan was unaware of the laws of the country, and observed that he “is not even aware of how notification is issued.”
Read more: Last Chance for Gen Bajwa: Government Failing to Defend its Actions in Supreme Court
Maulana added, “This is the manner in which the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government reciprocates their well-wishers, by bringing embarrassment to the Army Chief.” He observed that the “well-wishers are also embarrassed like the youth of the country and all those who have funded the PTI from abroad.”
Free & Fair Elections
Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that all opposition parties stand united in their observations of the illegitimacy of the PTI-led government, and stressed that new elections must be held in a transparent and fair manner.
Fazl added that the All Parties Conference, recently held in the federal capital under his chairmanship, allowed the political leadership of the country to promote anti-government protests across the country. He said, “If elections are not held in time, the protest movement will continue.”
Even though we respect the directives of the court, this sham parliament does not have the right, the nation’s trust and mandate to legislate on the issue.”
The JUI-F Chief warned that his party will not tolerate any attempts to “steal their mandate during the general elections” and so far, they have accepted controversial results in the electoral processes.
Read more: Gen Bajwa’s Tenure Extended for 6 Months: PM Khan Labels Proceedings as Clash of Institutions
Fazlur Rehman also demanded justice for the slain JUI-F leader, Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro, and urged that the murder trial has not made much progress, even after the lengthy period of five years. He said, “This does not reflect the values of justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
The JUI-F Chief also accused the PTI-led government of influenced the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to undertake a process of political victimization. Maulana was referring to the arrest of Syed Khursheed Shah, senior PPP leader, and said that his arrest is a blatant example of victimization. He also expressed his concerns over Khursheed Shah’s deteriorating health condition.