ISLAMABAD – Opposition parties reached out to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday night, seeking his backing against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. The move reflects growing unease across opposition ranks over the government’s plan to introduce wide-ranging constitutional changes.
A delegation led by Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai — nominated as the opposition leader in the National Assembly — visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence in Islamabad. The delegation included Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir, the opposition leader-designate in the Senate, and PTI’s Asad Qaiser, the former National Assembly speaker.
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Following the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned the government against turning the Constitution into a “plaything,” saying repeated amendments made “under coercion” risked eroding public trust in the country’s foundational document. He recalled that during deliberations on the 26th Amendment, the government was forced to withdraw 34 controversial clauses, yet “preparations are once again underway to do the same.”
The JUI-F chief criticized the government for a lack of transparency, noting that opposition parties had not yet seen the draft of the 27th Amendment. “One minister has been working on this for three months — it means the contents came from somewhere else,” he alleged, also accusing Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar of misleading the public about the need for another amendment.
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PTI’s Asad Qaiser said the opposition would adopt a unified stance in Parliament, emphasizing that Achakzai should be formally notified as opposition leader. MWM’s Allama Raja Nasir echoed the criticism, arguing that the 26th Amendment remains under litigation and that the new proposal lacks clarity. “How can we support something we are unaware of?” he said.
The opposition’s meeting came as Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said clarity on the proposed 27th Amendment was expected within days, with the bill likely to be tabled next week. The PPP, meanwhile, confirmed that the government had sought its support, with proposals including the establishment of constitutional courts, restoration of executive magistrates, and changes to Article 243 regarding command of the armed forces.