Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the extension of service terms in the judiciary, military, and bureaucracy, calling the practice fundamentally wrong.
His remarks came during a National Assembly session in Islamabad, where he also critiqued the extension of the retirement age of judges under the regime of General Pervez Musharraf.
The JUI chief questioned why those who criticized such extensions in the past are now supporting them. “Whether in the army, judiciary, or bureaucracy, the process of granting extensions is flawed,” he said. “If this continues, tomorrow the parliament could also demand extensions.”
Fazlur Rehman further pointed out inconsistencies within the justice system, noting that judicial cases drag on for generations. He argued that the current judicial system, inherited from the British, is outdated and in need of change.
“The retirement age of judges was increased during Musharraf's era, but now the situation is such that everyone wants 'their' Chief Justice in place,” he remarked.
In response, Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq stated that while the constitution does not allow for discussions against the judiciary and army, there is room for reform. He acknowledged the JUI chief’s concerns and emphasized the importance of a balanced approach.
Fazlur Rehman advocated for the establishment of a parliamentary committee to oversee the appointment of the Chief Justice, stating that such reforms are necessary. He also called for the abolition of the 19th Amendment, saying it should be replaced by the 18th Amendment, as he believed the judiciary had used the 19th Amendment to exercise undue influence.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq invited Fazlur Rehman to participate in an ongoing committee on reforms, mentioning that the meeting was currently being held in Committee Room No. 5. He encouraged the JUI chief to contribute to the discussions aimed at addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
