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ISLAMABAD: The Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Monday strongly condemned what it called the disgraceful, derogatory and baseless charges being levelled against the JUIF chief Fazlur Rehman.
“Allegations against the Maulana are deeply regrettable, shameful and highly condemnable. The TTAP strongly condemns the ongoing organised campaign of his character-assassination, and his family; it’s a manifestation of political intolerance, moral degradation and disregard for democratic values,” it said.
The JUIF is part of the United Opposition, which has its role by and large confined to inside the parliament. The TTAP’s strong and detailed statement in Fazl’s support, at a time when he is facing a barrage of allegations as well as some of his family members and party leaders, is seen as a welcome gesture, which can potentially pave the way for his party coming closer to the alliance.
Political differences, the alliance noted, are the beauty of any democratic society; however, targeting someone’s honour, dignity, character and family under the pretext of political disagreement is not only contrary to religious, moral and social traditions but also pushes politics further into the depths of hatred, discord and division.
“Differences of opinion must be addressed through arguments, logic and political dialogue rather than character-assassination, slander and personal attacks. Such a disgraceful and organised campaign must be stopped immediately, and those involved must abandon this reprehensible practice,” the party stressed.
The alliance paid tribute to Fazl for his unequivocal and principled stance against the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The statement said the important constitutional and democratic questions raised by Fazlur Rehman and his party on this matter should be addressed by the government through reason, constitutional arguments and the rule of law instead of resorting to character-assassination and pressure tactics.
“No political leader can be compelled to abandon a principled position through pressure, threats or organised character-assassination. The TTAP made it clear that measures such as governor’s rule and the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are contrary to the spirit of provincial autonomy, the people’s mandate and parliamentary democracy, raising serious constitutional and democratic questions,” it underlined.
The alliance vowed to vigorously oppose these measures at every constitutional, political, parliamentary and legal forum and continue to highlight their constitutional and democratic implications before the public.
It also expressed deep concern and regret over the suspension of hearings by the Peshawar High Court in cases filed under Article 199 of the Constitution following the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court.
Consequently, it said the hearings of petitions concerning the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency, as well as petitions seeking the release and legal remedies for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers arrested under 3-MPO, have also come to a halt. The statement said closing the doors of justice to citizens and political workers who had approached the Peshawar High Court was extremely alarming.
Access to courts and effective legal remedies are fundamental constitutional rights of every citizen and cannot be rendered ineffective under the pretext of any administrative, extraordinary or governmental measure.
Denying citizens an effective opportunity to protect their fundamental rights and challenge state actions before the courts raises serious concerns regarding constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and the fundamental requirements of justice.
It demanded that the complete medical reports of PTI founder chairman Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, following the medical tests conducted at Adiala Jail on Sunday, be made public immediately to address the concerns and apprehensions surrounding their health.
The alliance also demanded that the government ensure full and immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital and the provision of medical treatment in the presence of his personal physicians.
The alliance also expressed deep concern over the statement made by the Inspector General of Police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regarding Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Provincial Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, provincial president Junaid Akbar Khan, provincial ministers and members of the national and provincial assemblies.
The statement questioned under which law and legal authority these political leaders and elected public representatives were being held in custody, if they were indeed detained.
“The reasons for their arrest or detention and their legal status must be clarified immediately. If they are in custody, they must be produced before the relevant court without delay, their families and lawyers must be granted access to them, and all their legal rights and the right to effective legal remedies under the Constitution and the law must be ensured,” it stressed.
