KARACHI: Chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday met former chairman Senate and senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party Mian Raza Rabbani and agreed to challenge every move against the 18th Amendment and formation of the National Finance Commission.

A statement issued by Mr Rabbani said that the two leaders discussed the prevailing political situation in the country, the “attacks” on the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award.

“They were of the view that the 18th Amendment was achieved after a long struggle for provincial autonomy by all democratic forces and federating units, to exercise ownership and control over their resources, it also reflects a national political consensus which can not be rolled back,” said the statement.

“The 18th Amendment dispelled the polarisation that existed in the Federation. It further introduced a new political culture of dialogue to resolve issues of rights, autonomy and ownership of resources.”

The two leaders, it said, stated that all attempts to roll back the 18th Amendment would be resisted.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2020