ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) has rejected the 27th constitutional amendment.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that some time ago the 26th amendment was introduced, and negotiations with the government were ongoing at that time, with PTI also on board and their suggestions being considered.
He said that JUI-F was ignored in the 27th constitutional amendment, adding that it was the government’s responsibility to consult the opposition. “First of all, we need to look at the fundamental issues,” he said.
He said that they completely reject the 27th constitutional amendment. According to JUI-F, the amendment will not bring any improvement to the Constitution and does not serve public interest. He alleged that the government wants to keep the judiciary under its control.
The JUI-F chief questioned the provision that defines anyone under 18 as a minor, saying, “Which Shariah allows this?” He criticized legislation regarding the marriage of boys and girls under 18, as well as laws related to transgender persons and domestic violence. He said that legitimate marriages are being made difficult, while laws that “facilitate those involved in adultery” have been passed. “Today, lawful marriage is being made difficult,” he said.
He said that the Constitution binds parliament to legislate in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah, and that they have sworn an oath to protect the Constitution. He claimed that international institutions and agreements are enslaving the country, and that Pakistan’s rulers are willing to accept such subjugation.
He said that people in the subcontinent sacrificed for 300 years to resist slavery, and that such legislation cannot be accepted under any circumstances.