ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman voiced strong opposition to extension of service terms in judiciary, military and bureaucracy, calling practice fundamentally wrong.

His remarks came during National Assembly session here, where he also critiqued extension of retirement age of judges under regime of General Pervez Musharraf. Fazlur Rehman has strongly criticised practice of granting extensions to military officials, calling it "Flawed" policy that should apply equally to Parliament. JUI-F rejects govt’s claim of support for constitutional amendment.

JUI-F Chief instructed its senators to refrain from voting in senate without explicit permission from leadership. Sources revealed that party’s parliamentary leader, Senator Atta-ur-Rehman, issued policy letter to fellow senators, including Senator Kamran Murtaza, Maulana Abdul Wasey, Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan and Senator Ahmed Khan.

Addressing National Assembly, he recalled how past military extensions were pushed through under pressure and questioned why such privilege is not extended to lawmakers. Rehman condemned current judicial system as "Outdated," urging government to collaborate with opposition on judicial reforms. Highlighting ongoing police protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he warned that if law enforcement agencies stopped fulfilling their duties, it would severely impact country’s security.

JUI chief questioned why those who criticized such extensions in past are now supporting them. "Whether in Army, judiciary, or bureaucracy, process of granting extensions is flawed," he said. "If this continues, tomorrow Parliament could also demand extensions."

Fazlur Rehman further pointed out inconsistencies within justice system, noting that judicial cases drag on for generations. He argued that current judicial system, inherited from British, is outdated and in need of change."Retirement age of judges was increased during Musharraf's era, but now situation is such that everyone wants 'their' Chief Justice in place," he remarked.

Fazlur Rehman advocated for establishment of parliamentary committee to oversee appointment of Chief Justice, stating that such reforms are necessary. He called for abolition of 19th Amendment, saying it should be replaced by 18th Amendment, as he believed judiciary had used 19th Amendment to exercise undue influence.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 13 2024

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