My way or the highway

Mullahs’ attempt to hijack parliament

JUI-F chief’s observations regarding derailing the system must not be taken lightly. These indicate a cynical disregard for the ballot, the parliament and the elected government which draw legitimacy from the mandate given by the electorate. The message conveyed by Fazalur Rehman is that if the legislature and the executive refuse to accept his views, he would go for rabble rousing and overthrow the system by recourse to street power.

For over a year Fazalur Rehman vented his spleen on certain provisions of the NAP which was formulated by all parliamentary parties through consensus. Seminaries provide a captive cadre to religious parties besides being a source of funds which they use to carry out their political activities. It is in the material interest of religious parties like JUI-F to oppose government oversight in the seminaries’ affairs. The objection to the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence law is meant to assert the authority of the clergy over parliament. The blind opposition to the law by the clerics is a knee-jerk reaction. Those opposing it have failed to point out any provision in the law which is in violation of any Islamic injunction or article of constitution.

To sustain the system the government has to ensure three things. First, it must assert that the parliament and the provincial assemblies are the sole law making bodies. Second, they alone have the right to determine if a law is in line with the Islamic teachings. In case they desire, they can seek the advice of the CII which is no more than an advisory body. But the final decision lies with the government. Third, the government must not allow any individual, party or institution to challenge an SC verdict. On the other hand, it has to extend full support to the apex court in the enforcement of its decisions. The government as well as the opposition parties has to ensure that clerics do not create a crisis when the nation is fighting an existential battle.