Islamabad — Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday voiced strong opposition to the government’s recent amendments to the anti-terrorism law, alleging that the move undermines democracy and grants sweeping powers to the security establishment. After a three-day meeting in Islamabad, Maulana Fazl described the legislation as akin to "civil martial law," claiming it threatens the democratic process by empowering authorities in unprecedented ways.
“The new legislation is a slap in the face of democracy,” he stated, asserting that it deviates from the principles established in previous constitutional amendments, which were intended to protect democratic institutions. According to Maulana Fazl, the amendment could impose broad restrictions on civil liberties and silence dissent.
The main concern, he explained, is that the law hands more authority to the defense establishment, raising fears of overreach. “The defense establishment is being given powers that were never intended for it,” he warned, hinting at his party’s readiness to oppose the law through public mobilization if necessary.
Maulana Fazl’s remarks were echoed by Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who criticized the government’s recent influence on the judiciary. Speaking from Karachi, Hafiz Naeem alleged that the amendment compromises judicial independence by altering the appointment process for judges, calling it an “ambush” on the judiciary. “This move threatens the judiciary’s role as an independent institution,” he argued, adding that it could politicize judicial decisions, weakening their impartiality.
Both JUI-F and JI have expressed concerns about the legislative process itself, describing it as hasty and possibly influenced by political pressures. Hafiz Naeem suggested that some members may have been incentivized to support the amendment, casting doubt on its legitimacy. This rapid process, critics argue, limits the opportunity for necessary scrutiny, leaving critical aspects of the law unexamined.
The leaders of JUI-F and JI have vowed to challenge the amendment through public action and legal means, asserting that they are defending the aspirations of the public. As Pakistan navigates this critical juncture, observers worry that unchecked powers and curtailed freedoms could weaken democratic resilience. For now, both parties are gearing up to resist, rallying public support and preparing to contest the law in court.
