Fazl blames lack of joint opposition for unchecked legislation

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has identified a significant weakness within the opposition ranks, stating their inability to unite effectively has allowed the government to pass legislation unchecked. He specifically pointed to the recent laws concerning the command of the armed forces, arguing they were rushed through parliament without proper debate or scrutiny.

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The recent legislation was passed in a great haste, without any debate and even opposition members did not examine it in detail.

Fazlur Rehman criticized the opposition's strategy of walkouts without active resistance, asserting that this approach undermines democratic checks and balances. He urged for greater coordination among opposition parties inside parliament to prevent what he described as "unchecked legislative actions."

The JUI-F leader expressed strong disapproval of the recent legislation, which he claimed concentrated power and authority within the establishment, granting overriding effects over other conflicting laws. He lamented that administrative powers previously held by the prime minister within the armed forces have now been vested in a single individual, extending their authority over the army, air force, and navy. This concentration of power, he argued, allows the wishes of one institution's head to be imposed on the entire nation.

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The powers that should have been vested in parliament were concentrated within a person.

Furthermore, Fazlur Rehman suggested that the federal government has surrendered its authority, potentially enabling further legislation without parliamentary involvement. He reiterated that it is the opposition leader's responsibility to unite the parties, a role he believes is currently lacking. He mentioned meeting with the opposition leader to discuss a joint strategy, emphasizing the damage already done and the lack of awareness regarding the implications of these new laws.

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It was the opposition leader’s job to unite all the parties sitting on opposition benches and it was lacking there.