Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday firmly stated that the current parliament lacks the legitimacy to make significant constitutional amendments.
During a recent address, he asserted that the parliament is a “fake” entity and warned against underestimating his party's resolve.
The seasoned politician said that any attempt to push through substantial constitutional changes would be viewed as an overreach by a body he believes lacks the mandate to do so.
"We have told you not to take us lightly. This parliament does not have the right to make such a big amendment. If they proceed, we will remain active and vigilant," he declared.
Addressing the ongoing Israeli aggression, Mr Fazl expressed concerns about the potential for conflict to spread throughout the Arab world and the Gulf region. He stressed the importance of vigilance and cooperation among Muslim nations, urging unity to counter external threats.
“We have proven that we are alive and can make our voices heard,” he said, referencing PM Shehbaz Sharif’s recent speech at the United Nations regarding Palestine. "For the first time, we have given proof that we are alive and can talk."
Rehman proposed a coalition of Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Egypt, to unify the Islamic world and stand against aggressors. He expressed hope that such a coalition could effectively defend the interests of the Arab world under one command.
In response to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur's recent threats of armed rebellion following PTI's protests, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Fazlur Rehman has condemned the statement as “childish” and unworthy of the Chief Minister's position.
He stressed that such rhetoric undermines the dignity of the office and called it an "insult" to engage with such inflammatory remarks.
Reflecting on the geopolitical landscape, he noted the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a significant blow to the resistance, stating, “This is the second major sacrifice after Ismail Haniyeh. Israel has achieved a huge target, but we must not lose our morale.”
Regarding the political climate in Pakistan, Fazlur Rehman also warned against electoral rigging, emphasizing that his party would mobilize again if their mandate were undermined.
“Our Jamaat has made it clear that you can steal our mandate through rigging, but we are among the people and will not tolerate injustice,” he asserted.
He reiterated the need for legitimate elections, calling for genuine representatives to emerge from the electorate to restore faith in the parliamentary process. "It is unfair to make such a major constitutional amendment through a fake parliament," he concluded.
Fazlur Rehman elected unopposed as JUI-F Amr
On the other hand, Fazlur Rehman has been elected unopposed as the Amir for the next five years during the party elections held recently.
Alongside him, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Hyderi has also been elected unopposed as the Secretary General of the party, solidifying their leadership positions.
The unopposed elections for both Falur Rehman and Hyderi came as they faced no challengers in the contest. This smooth transition reflects the internal unity within the party, allowing them to focus on their agenda and initiatives without the distractions of a contested election.
In a related note, Maulana Ataur Rehman, the brother of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, was also recently elected as the Provincial Amir for five years during the JUI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa party elections. This further reinforces the Rehman family's influence within the party and its leadership structure.