Fazl opposes move to curtail provincial rights, changes to NFC Award
ISLAMABAD: Jamiatul Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl(JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday called for strengthening democracy in the country, saying that his party will oppose any move to curtail provincial rights and changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Addressing a gathering on the subject of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH), the JUI chief said that Islam categorically opposes the imposition of someone’s philosophy on others through the use of force. He further said that the country was facing a serious problem of terrorism, despite continued military operations against terrorism over two decades, adding that the problem is escalating; therefore, reviewing the strategy is the need of the hour.
He said that over the past two decades, successive governments have launched various military operations against terrorism, but still the ailment kept on worsening; therefore, it is high time for the policymakers to realize the serious flaw in the strategy. He said that sometimes the state is referred to as a mother, and naturally a mother unites her children rather than dividing them.
Maulana said that the policy of dividing the nation, political parties, and religious groups does not serve national interest. Instead of breaking up provinces, the federation should take practical measures to safeguard the provincial rights. He further warned that some forces are trying to dismantle the constitution, saying that if such forces succeed in their plans, it will become seriously difficult to hold the country together. MaulanaFazlurRehman maintained that the constitution has clearly defined the role of all the national institutions, and that those trying to undo the constitution to grab more power and resources, this would trigger chaos that would become difficult to manage.
Maulana said that some elements were considering the 18th Amendment as a bone in their throat and thus are trying to repeal it, which allows transfer of resources to the federating units as per the NFC award, saying that his party will strongly oppose any such move.
Talking on the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), Maulana said that the Prophet has advocated for a system of justice and equality against oppression and tyranny. He said that, as per the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), rulers ought to respect the decrees and directives of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH).
He said that the government was trying to criminalize religious education and seminaries, which is unacceptable to his party. He said that unfortunately Islam and Islamic legislation have never been priorities in Pakistan; enacting laws by bypassing Parliament is detrimental to the constitution and the democratic system. Strong institutions are essential for national defence, yet every institution operates within constitutional limits and a defined scope of authority; a balance of power among institutions is vital for the country’s system. Our voice in Parliament is not allowed to reach the nation.
He said that recent hastily passed legislation is against the essence of the constitution and the authority of the cabinet should not be transferred to anyone else, saying that this move will have severe negative impacts on federal institutions. He advocated freedom of speech and said that an open debate serves the national interest.
While slamming the media restrictions, Maulana said that even the opposition’s speeches in the parliament were not broadcast to ensure that the public is kept away from the situation on the ground.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026