Alvi Meets JI Chief Hafiz Naeem to Discuss Constitutional Amendments

In recent political developments in Pakistan, former President Dr. Arif Alvi met with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman at Mansoorah. This meeting, which took place on Thursday, was primarily focused on discussing the government’s proposed constitutional amendment and the current political landscape of the country. The political climate in Pakistan has been tense, with various parties expressing their concerns over the government's actions and decisions.

During the meeting, Hafiz Naeem firmly rejected the proposed constitutional amendment, calling on all opposition parties to do the same. He criticized the government for its handling of the amendment process, stating, "This is not the appropriate time for such amendments as the government lacks the public mandate to make decisions of such gravity." His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among opposition leaders that the current government is overstepping its bounds.

Hafiz Naeem also raised concerns about the potential consequences of a judicial commission investigating allegations of election rigging. He suggested that if such an investigation were to occur, more than half of the sitting members of the assembly could lose their seats. This statement underscores the precarious position of many politicians in the current environment.

Moreover, he accused the government of attempting to create a new constitutional crisis by manipulating the age and number of Supreme Court judges, especially with a new Chief Justice set to take office soon. This assertion points to a broader concern regarding the integrity of Pakistan's judicial system and the government's influence over it.

Welcoming Dr. Alvi to Mansoorah, Hafiz Naeem emphasized the ongoing communication between JI and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on issues of mutual interest. He expressed his worries about the current political climate, where democratic freedoms appear to be under threat. He reiterated that every political party has the right to hold peaceful gatherings, a fundamental aspect of democracy.

Dr. Alvi, who described Mansoorah as a second home due to his past political involvement with JI, voiced his disapproval of the government's actions. He accused the government of attempting to "bury the Constitution" under the guise of amendments, which he deemed unacceptable. His comments reflect a shared concern among many political leaders about the potential erosion of constitutional rights in Pakistan.

Furthermore, Dr. Alvi praised the JI’s principled stance on the constitutional issue, noting that the PTI aligns with this perspective. He emphasized that this is not the time to inflict further damage on the Constitution, especially given the severe law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the country’s precarious economic condition.

The meeting between Dr. Alvi and Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman sheds light on the growing concerns among opposition parties regarding the government's proposed constitutional amendments. As political tensions rise, it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize the Constitution and democratic principles to ensure a stable and prosperous future for Pakistan. The ongoing dialogue between political parties may serve as a vital step towards addressing these pressing issues and restoring public trust in the political process.