Passage of controversial amendment to deny democracy: Fazl
Pakistan
Says being the largest opposition party, PTI could not be kept aloof from consultation process
Says consensus on some points of the constitutional amendment needs to be created; the government does not seem serious on the issue
Our members are being harassed; one MP abducted; stresses taking members of bar associations onboard
Barrister Gohar says PTI has prepared its draft and would share it after a meeting with PTI founder
LAHORE (Dunya News) - JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said it is not democracy if parliament passes controversial constitutional amendment package, adding PTI could not be kept away from the consultation process on constitutional amendment draft.
Talking to the media after a meeting with the PTI leaders, the JUI-F chief said a consensus on some points of the constitutional amendment needs to be created, adding the government did not seem serious on the issue pertaining to an agreed package.
“The gesture of PTI was very positive during meeting. Dialogue with PTI should continue for creating a consensus on constitutional package.
We are looking into all matters and we should not be forced to leave parliamentary activities due to conceive measures. Our conciliatory gesture should not be taken for granted or our weakness.”
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He lamented that the members of JUI-F and BNP were being harassed, saying one of his party members was abducted and the other being intimidated.
“The government on one hand is holding talks on constitutional amendment package and on the other is harassing our MPs.
“If the government continues with such tactics, we will be compelled to give up consultation process on the issue,” Fazl said.
He stressed inclusion of members of bar associations and other stakeholders in consultation process for creating consensus on the constitutional amendment package.
“Our MPs are being pressurized for the passage of constitutional package in parliament, but our members will follow the party lines and will vote as per the party policy. We have issued notices to our members in this regard.”
BARRISTER GOHAR
On the occasion, Barrister Gohar said the PTI prepared its draft on constitutional amendment package and it would share this draft after a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan.
“I thank JUI-F chief who met us. We have asked the Maulana that the PTI would support the constitutional amendment package prepared by JUI-F.
“Despite reservations about the behaviour of the government, we want to take part in the consultation process on constitutional amendment package.”
