QUETTA (By Syed Sardar Muhammad Khondai): The provincial leadership of Jamiat Lawyers Forum Balochistan has strongly condemned what it described as a character assassination campaign against JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The forum also rejected attempts to impose emergency measures and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), terming them a threat to Pakistan’s Constitution and democratic principles.
The views were expressed during a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, led by Malik Khalil-ur-Rehman Kakar Advocate and attended by other representatives of the legal fraternity.
Addressing the media, the speakers said Jamiat Lawyers Forum Balochistan would oppose measures that, in its view, undermine constitutional protections and democratic institutions.
The leaders criticized the campaign against Maulana Fazlur Rehman and warned that they would pursue legal action against individuals involved in what they described as malicious propaganda against the JUI chief.
They also expressed concern over the country’s political situation. Referring to Form-47, the speakers alleged that the current political leadership lacked a genuine democratic mandate. These statements reflected the forum’s position on the disputed political situation.
The lawyers said constitutional principles, democratic representation and the rule of law must remain central to Pakistan’s political system.
The forum strongly opposed proposals to impose emergency measures or Governor’s Rule in districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The speakers described such steps as a serious threat to constitutional governance and democratic values.
They maintained that political and administrative challenges should be addressed within the framework of the Constitution. The leaders said they would resist any measure they considered unconstitutional.
The forum also called for immediate, free and fair general elections without interference. According to the speakers, a transparent electoral process is essential to restoring public confidence and addressing the country’s political and economic challenges.
The speakers also raised concerns about the use of Balochistan’s mineral resources. They argued that local communities should receive priority benefits from the province’s natural wealth.
The forum warned against exploiting natural resources under the pretext of maintaining law and order. It called for policies that protect the economic interests and rights of local residents.
The leaders further demanded the removal of what they described as unjustified restrictions on border trade routes, including Chaman, Taftan and Turbat. They said restrictions on cross-border commerce had affected local livelihoods and employment opportunities.
They urged the relevant authorities to take steps to restore trade activities and provide economic relief to communities that depend on border markets.
Concluding the press conference, the Jamiat Lawyers Forum Balochistan leadership pledged to continue its efforts through parliamentary forums, courts and public platforms.
The speakers said their campaign would focus on defending the political position of JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and protecting the rights of the people.
They reiterated that democratic processes, constitutional safeguards and economic opportunities for local communities must remain priorities for the country’s leadership.
