Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has launched strong opposition against the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, accusing the federal government of deliberately excluding opposition parties from the legislative process. The religious-political party declared the amendment unconstitutional and unacceptable, citing the government's failure to build consensus.
Constitutional Changes Spark Political Confrontation
During a press conference at the party's central secretariat, JUI-F spokesperson Maulana Abdul Wasay articulated the party's firm stance against the amendment. He emphasized that the government had completely bypassed the opposition in both the drafting and approval stages of this significant constitutional change.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment, which received parliamentary approval on November 24, 2024, introduces substantial changes to the governance structure. However, JUI-F maintains that the process violated established democratic norms and parliamentary traditions that require meaningful consultation with all political stakeholders.
Demands for Parliamentary Consensus
Maulana Abdul Wasay stressed that constitutional amendments should reflect national consensus rather than being pushed through by a simple majority. "The government has shown complete disregard for democratic principles and parliamentary traditions by excluding opposition voices from such a crucial constitutional matter," he stated during the press briefing.
The JUI-F spokesperson outlined several key concerns regarding the amendment process:
- Lack of prior consultation with opposition parties
- Exclusion of opposition input during committee stages
- Rushed parliamentary proceedings
- Failure to address opposition reservations
The party has demanded that the government immediately suspend the implementation of the 27th Amendment and initiate fresh, inclusive discussions with all parliamentary parties to reach a broader consensus on the constitutional changes.
Political Implications and Future Strategy
This strong rejection from JUI-F signals potential political turbulence ahead. As a significant religious-political force in the country, JUI-F's opposition could mobilize broader resistance against the amendment from other opposition parties and religious groups.
The party leadership has indicated they are considering all constitutional and political options to challenge the amendment, including potential legal challenges and coordinated opposition movements. This development threatens to deepen the political divide between the ruling coalition and opposition parties at a time when national unity is crucial.
Political analysts suggest that the government's approach to constitutional amendments without opposition buy-in could have long-term consequences for political stability and democratic norms in Pakistan. The coming days are likely to see intensified political maneuvering as both sides position themselves on this contentious constitutional issue.
