Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned that his party may suspend negotiations with the government over the proposed constitutional amendment, citing pressure on party members.
During a media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, alongside PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other party leaders, Fazlur Rehman stated, “We are engaging with the government transparently.” However, he expressed concern about reports of intimidation affecting members of both JUI-F and PTI.
He warned, “If these tactics persist, we will have no choice but to terminate the discussions.”
He emphasized the need to involve a major opposition party in any constitutional amendment, asserting that the process must be unanimous and that the opposition should play an active role. He also acknowledged PTI’s constructive participation, noting they had agreed to continue consultations on Friday.
Fazlur Rehman urged the government and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to broaden representation in the special committee for constitutional amendments by including members from bar associations. He warned that stakeholders should not be overlooked, suggesting that the government might not be taking their conciliatory efforts seriously.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan echoed these concerns, stating that PTI had approached the negotiations with an open mind, but the ongoing reports of abduction and harassment of their members raised significant reservations. He warned that if the government continues with unilateral legislation, PTI would withdraw from the process.
