ISLAMABAD: In a sharp rebuke of the newly passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday slammed the decision to grant lifetime immunity to certain officials, particularly President Asif Ali Zardari, calling it a direct affront to democratic values.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of the party’s central executive committee, the JUI-F chief questioned, “Why is the government shielding Zardari, who spent years in jail? This decision defies the very principle of accountability.”
He stated that the 27th Constitutional Amendment was not in the interest of the judiciary or constitution, calling it a regressive step for democracy and emphasising that they completely rejected it, adding that it was not the law of the people. “The people want answers, and they will not be deceived by this undemocratic move,” he said, describing the amendment as a regressive step that will have long-lasting consequences for Pakistan’s democratic fabric.
The amendment, passed with two-thirds majority makes sweeping changes to the 1973 Constitution, including a Federal Constitutional Court, military command restructuring, and broad immunity for the President and the Field Marshal.
The JUI-F chief; however, sharply criticised the provisions on immunity to the top civil and military officials and judicial control.
Rehman accused the government of trying to curb judicial independence, claiming the provisions on military appointments and presidential immunity were unconstitutional and a direct attack on democracy. “The amendment is nothing short of a power grab disguised as constitutional reform.”
The JUI-F chief sharply criticised the two-thirds majority that passed the amendment, dubbing it a “coerced and fake” majority that violated democratic principles.
“This was not a legitimate parliamentary process. The majority was forced through, fabricating consent and silencing opposition,” he alleged.
Rehman contrasted the 27th Amendment with the 26th, which he described as the result of careful negotiations and consensus among all parties. “When the 26th Amendment was passed, PTI was on board, and we addressed every party’s concerns. Now, we see a government disregarding democratic norms.”
His fiery speech extended beyond constitutional amendments, as he also slammed recent legislation on sensitive social issues like transgender rights, underage marriage, and domestic violence. He argued that the government’s actions were undermining the social fabric of the country and could lead to dangerous consequences. “The government is imposing social change without considering the traditions and values that have held our society together.”
Shifting focus to the judiciary, he acknowledged JUI-F’s historical support for a constitutional court but argued that the current amendment undermined parliamentary democracy. He emphasized that the judicial body must remain impartial and free from political influence.
He also accused the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), a key player in the amendment’s passage, of sacrificing democratic principles for political gain. “Despite holding a two-thirds majority, PPP consulted with smaller provinces but still backed an undemocratic process. This is a betrayal of the democratic spirit,” he said.
On the contentious provisions granting lifetime privileges to military officials, he warned they risked creating a “class-based system” incompatible with democracy. “The privileges given to the heads of the armed forces are unsustainable in a democratic society. They should renounce these benefits in the interest of the people,” he urged.
Echoing Pakistan’s founding principles, Rehman emphasized that the nation was built on values of equality and justice, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah.
“The Islamic Republic of Pakistan must be governed by the rule of law, with every individual, regardless of their status, treated equally under the law,” he asserted.
In his final call to action, the JUI Chief announced that the party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter had already rejected the amendment, labelling it “a conspiracy against the Islamic Constitution and harmful to national interests.”
He also revealed that a provincial-level Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Conference would be held in Mardan on December 14, where he would deliver a keynote address and outline the party’s next steps.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025