Jamaat threatens compensation suit if July Charter lacks legal basis

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Amir, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, warned that the party will file a compensation lawsuit against the National Consensus Commission and the government if the July Charter, discussed during the ongoing dialogue, is not given a legal foundation. 

The statement was made to reporters during a lunch break on the 23rd day of talks with the commission on Thursday.

Taher emphasised the party’s support for proportional representation (PR) in the proposed 100-seat upper house, noting that most participating parties also favour PR. “The commission said it will decide after the break, and we hope for a positive outcome,” he said.

Highlighting the extensive effort invested in the dialogue, Taher stressed the importance of implementation: “We’ve worked hard, but without implementation, this process is meaningless. Promises alone are not enough; the charter must have a legal basis, or it will be worthless.” 

He warned that without legal backing, Jamaat-e-Islami would not sign the charter and would pursue legal action for compensation.

Taher insisted that providing a legal basis is feasible immediately, citing existing alternatives and examples. 

“Those claiming it cannot be done now are misleading the nation,” he said. “We will not sign a charter without legal grounding, as it would be no different from not signing at all. Implementation must occur within this government’s term, starting as early as tomorrow.”

Addressing the democratic process, Taher acknowledged the presence of dissenting opinions during the dialogue. “We’ve seen more ‘notes of dissent’ today than in the previous 22 days, but this is part of democracy. If the majority supports a decision, it should be accepted,” he said.

Taher described the proposed upper house as a “balance of authority,” serving as a guiding and controlling body while the lower house formulates primary legislation. 

He cautioned that failure to implement the charter with a legal basis would render the reform process incomplete and akin to a “farce.” 

“We call on the government and the commission to act on their promises now,” Taher urged, warning, “We will not tolerate further mockery of the nation.”