–JUI-F says will take govt to court if it banned ‘volunteer group’
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to ban the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s Asarul Islam force under Article 256 and Section 2 of the Private Military Organization Act 1974.
The Interior Ministry has also obtained the approval of the federal cabinet and a notification will be issued to this effect next week. After the issuance of the notification, the ministry will forward recommendations to the provinces to take action against the Ansarul Islam under Article 146.
“Article 146 (1) of the constitution permits the federal government to delegate any of its powers to the provinces, conditionally or unconditionally, but with the consent of the provincial governments,” said documents.
“Notwithstanding anything contained in the constitution, the federal government may with the consent of the government of a province, entrust either conditionally or unconditionally to that government, or to its officers functions in relation to any matter to which the executive authority of the federation extends”, reads Article 146 (1) of the constitution.
Meanwhile, JUI-F Spokesman Hafiz Hussain Ahmed told Pakistan Today that the JUI-F has not received any official information in this regard.
However, the party will consult its lawyers to deal with the matter in the court of law if the government decided to ban the “volunteer organisation”, he added.
He said: “Ansarul Islam has been working as a volunteer organization of JUI since the inception of Pakistan and it is also mentioned in the party manifesto.”
So far, no FIR has been registered against it, he said, adding he came to know about the potential ban through media reports.
Responding to a question pertaining to the uniform, he said uniform was only for the recognition of volunteers and march past was only to check the preparedness of this volunteer organization to handle the large gathering– the Azadi March.
“Every religious and political party of the country has its separate volunteer organisation to control and manage the party meetings, processions, and other party activities, “ said Hafiz Hussain Ahmed.
According to an intelligence report, the JUI-F has constituted an ‘armed wing’ named Ansarul Islam ahead of the anti-government march on Oct 27.
“It seems the uniformed force intends to challenge the writ of the state and witnessed preparing for a confrontation with the law enforcement agencies,” the summary said, adding the force was 80,000-strong.
There is an apprehension of worsening the law and order situation during the ‘Azadi March’,” the summary said.
“Formation of Ansarul Islam as an armed force is a violation of Article 256 of the Constitution,” the summary said.
It is not improbable that Ansarul Islam militia might have arms and its activities could pose a threat to peace in Islamabad as well as in provinces, the summary said.
Article 256 prohibits the formation of an armed organisation. The National Action Plan doesn’t permit an armed outfit, the summary stated.
