Fazl accuses govt of 'misusing' Constitution when imposing emergency, governor's rule in KP

Islamabad: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), accused the government of abusing the Constitution and utilizing unconstitutional means in imposing a governor's rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on October 11. The federal government justified the actions by citing the provincial administration's "deliberate disengagement" from the fight against terrorism.

Opposition parties, including Fazl, criticized the move, with Fazl emphasizing that the federal government's actions were conducted according to the Constitution, but were in actuality a misuse of both the Constitution and the law. He argued that the transfer of power in KP was achieved "by force," rather than through public opinion, and urged the government to engage with the people for change.

Fazl also criticized Defense Minister Khawaja Asif for failing to protect the Constitution and the Parliament. Responding to Fazl's accusations, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary maintained that the governor's rule in KP lasted only six months and the emergency was imposed in only a few districts affected by terrorism.

He added that Balochistan's situation was distinct from KP's and that the chief minister, Sohail Afridi, was using provincial resources to march on Islamabad and even defended terrorists. Fazl called for the establishment of a new Charter of Democracy to prevent unconstitutional actions and potential violence, stating that the Parliament is a representative institution of the people but tolerance has ended.

During his speech, Fazl recalled his efforts to defuse political tensions during the PTI's long march towards Islamabad and his subsequent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested the cancellation of the long march. Upon receiving a phone call from Ishaq Dar on October 11, Fazl observed that his efforts were being negated as the cabinet decided to impose the emergency and governor's rule in KP.

He emphasized his commitment to preventing bloodshed and questioned the government's ability to maintain law and order, particularly in Balochistan. Fazl also addressed those who doubted his patriotism, noting that his party had contributed significantly to the fight against terrorism and regretted that their sacrifices were being ridiculed.