Maulana Fazl slams amendments as threat to democracy

Fazlur Rehman also condemned government’s plan to extend period of detention up to 90 days

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticised the government’s proposed amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, calling them an affront to democratic principles and an insult to the spirit of the 26th constitutional amendment.

Talking to the media, Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the government’s plan to extend the period of detention and enable authorities to detain individuals for up to 90 days based solely on suspicion.

He argued that granting such sweeping powers to the government would effectively amount to a “civil martial law,” marking a dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic standards.

“It is unbelievable that parties like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), who have long advocated democratic values and the sanctity of the vote, are now supporting legislation that undermines the very essence of democracy,” he held.

Questioning the government’s intentions, the JUI leader urged lawmakers to reconsider which parts of the 26th amendment they are willing to retract, suggesting that the current legislation contradicts the foundational principles of the constitution.

Fazlur Rehman also rebuked the recently enacted Evacuee Properties Act, which extends to Islamabad’s limits, calling it “illegal” and claiming that opposition to the law reflects the collective stance of the Muslim Ummah, rather than just his own party’s viewpoint.

On a humanitarian note, Maulana Fazlur Rehman drew attention to the crisis in Gaza, where he highlighted severe food shortages. He also urged everyone to extend support to the oppressed residents in the besieged region.