Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has accused the government of reneging on its commitment to appoint Justice Mansoor Ali Shah as Chief Justice.
JUI – F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri revealed that authorities later reversed the decision despite initial assurances in meetings to elevate Shah. He emphasized that all parties, including the People’s Party, had initially agreed to maintain the principle of seniority, but the committee did not uphold this consensus. Ghauri has called on the government to explain this shift clearly.
Moreover, Ghauri expressed JUI’s firm stance against accepting any government positions, even as prestigious as the presidency of Pakistan, attributing the spread of such rumours to opponents dissatisfied with Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s leadership and integrity. He also highlighted that discontent among allies stems from a reduction in their representation, asserting that having adequate numbers could lead to significant possibilities.
Read: Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar Will Not Resign
Ghauri further criticized the government’s approach to human rights, particularly concerning enforced disappearances. He warned that JUI would withdraw its support if such practices continued. The spokesperson noted the risks associated with military courts and stringent legal provisions, stating that the constitutional amendment averted potential severe repercussions.
He disclosed that in recent discussions in Jati Umra, there was a push to reactivate military courts and extend military jurisdiction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. JUI cautioned against empowering institutions to the detriment of democratic processes. He lamented that despite numerous military operations over two decades, no beneficial outcomes had been realized.
Ghauri also addressed a contentious draft introduced by the government that sought to empower Parliament to override Supreme Court decisions. While this could have resulted in additional seats for JUI, the party opposed the amendment and successfully campaigned to remove clauses undermining judicial independence and the constitutional bench’s authority.
In closing, Ghauri demanded transparency from the government regarding the unfulfilled promise to appoint Shah as Chief Justice and the reasons behind the decision’s alteration in committee.
