Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of JUI-F, criticized the recent laws passed in Pakistan that he claims violate basic human rights and undermine the 26th Amendment. He expressed concerns about the government’s desire for conflict over societal well-being and emphasized the need for reforms that protect citizens’ rights.
In a recent address, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), vehemently criticized the government over its recently enacted laws, which he argues infringe upon fundamental human rights and contradict the essence of the 26th Amendment. Speaking to reporters after offering condolences at Bilour House, he expressed deep concern over the implications of new legal provisions that allow for extended detention based on mere suspicion, likening them to oppressive NAB laws. This shift has transformed every Pakistani into a potential suspect, a disconcerting reality that threatens the fabric of justice and civil liberties in the country. Rehman highlighted the detrimental effects of such laws, urging that they foster an atmosphere of mistrust among citizens. He lamented, “We complain when visas are refused to Pakistanis. If we see them as suspects in our own countries, other countries would definitely treat them as suspects.” He stressed that the onus lies on the government to reprioritize its focus from political disputes to the welfare of its citizens, suggesting that the current trajectory only perpetuates societal misery. With lingering security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, he pointed out the government’s penchant for conflict rather than resolution. The JUI-F leader acknowledged that while intra-party disputes exist, his party maintained a collaborative approach to ensuring that the 26th Amendment was not wholly abandoned but refined through comprehensive discussions. By engaging with the government on contentious clauses, Rehman positioned JUI-F as a party willing to forgo a purely oppositional stance in favor of constructive dialogue. Overall, Rehman’s remarks resonate with growing public discontent regarding governance and highlight the urgent need for a legal framework that preserves basic rights and fosters trust between the government and its citizens.
The ongoing discourse around the 26th Amendment and subsequent legal changes in Pakistan signals a critical juncture in the nation’s approach to human rights and citizen welfare. The 26th Amendment was introduced to modify existing laws to better align with constitutional mandates; however, the revisions that emerged have sparked controversy. Prominent political figures, especially from opposition parties like JUI-F, have raised alarms over laws that seemingly empower authorities to detain individuals without significant cause, stoking fears of systemic abuses. Fazlur Rehman’s commentary reflects broad concerns about civil liberties, governmental accountability, and the crucial need for a political landscape that prioritizes dignity and rights for all citizens.
In essence, Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s stance on the recent legislative changes serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile state of human rights in Pakistan. The inherent risk of transforming citizens into suspects is alarming and warrants immediate attention from both lawmakers and the community at large. By advocating for a shift from political squabbles to enriching the civil liberties landscape, Rehman encourages a pursuit of governance that is as much about safeguarding rights as it is about maintaining order. His call for responsible governance underscores a pressing need for action that reassures citizens of their intrinsic worth and right to justice.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
