Fazl urges in-camera session on security, calls for new Charter of Democracy

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman Monday expressed concern over the country's economic and security situation, calling for an in-camera parliamentary session on law and order and urging political forces to move towards a new Charter of Democracy.

Speaking in the National Assembly after arriving at the budget session, Fazl criticised the alleged blackout of opposition speeches, questioning why opposition viewpoints were not being allowed to reach the public.

"This is a great injustice. Why are opposition speeches not being allowed to reach the people?" he asked.

The JUI-F chief said the economy remained one of Pakistan's biggest challenges and recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously promised to improve economic conditions within six months.

Referring to the country's financial situation, Fazl said every Pakistani was carrying a heavy debt burden and stressed that economic difficulties continued to affect the public.

Turning to the security situation, he said law and order in the country had deteriorated and claimed the state's writ had weakened in several areas. He said police stations were being attacked and security personnel, including members of the armed forces, Frontier Corps and police, were facing attacks and martyrdom on a daily basis.

Describing the issue as extremely serious, Fazl called for an in-camera meeting of parliament to discuss the country's security challenges.

The veteran politician also spoke about regional developments, saying his party had supported efforts aimed at reconciliation between Iran and the United States. He stressed the importance of stability in Afghanistan, saying Pakistan needed a peaceful and stable neighbour.

Fazl said pressures were being placed on nations in the current international environment and warned against policies that could increase instability in the region.

Speaking about his own security concerns, he said he had survived three suicide attacks and alleged that attempts had been made to target his children. He also expressed concern over attacks on religious scholars, saying many of them had been martyred.

The JUI-F chief said political leadership should focus on strengthening internal stability and national consensus. Referring to discussions surrounding constitutional matters, he noted reports and speculation regarding possible changes to constitutional arrangements, including the 18th Amendment.

Fazl said his party had previously held talks with Afghanistan and claimed that progress achieved during those engagements had not been sustained.

He also reaffirmed support for opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, saying opposition parties had backed him despite his not seeking votes.

Calling for greater political unity, Fazl urged parties to revisit the spirit of the Charter of Democracy and work collectively to address national challenges.

"We should be told where Pakistan stands," he said.

At one point during his speech, Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah asked how much longer he intended to speak. Fazl responded that the country's problems were so numerous that "every pain requires an hour" to explain.

The JUI-F chief urged all stakeholders to abandon the path of violence and work towards political stability and national cohesion.