Four PTI-backed lawmakers would vote for the federal government’s constitutional amendment related to increasing the judges’ age as the ruling coalition plays a numbers game ahead of crucial vote, sources told Aaj News on Friday.

Additionally, two members from Central Punjab may also cast their votes, both of whom are affiliated with the Sunni Ittehad Council—the new home of PTI-backed candidates.

Sources added that one member each from the erstwhile FATA and South Punjab would also support the amendment. Although both are currently independent members, they are sitting on the opposition benches.

The desired legislation for the three-year tenure of the CJP needs 224 votes in the National Assembly for its passage and the ruling coalition is short of 12 votes. If the JUI-F gives a nod to the proposed law, the government will still need four to five more votes in the National Assembly.

‘Decreasing pension bill’

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar spoke about the constitutional package to extend the CJP’s tenure when he appeared on Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir which was aired on Aaj News on July 17.

Tarar said that CJP Qazi Faez Isa had asked about this during a meeting at the end of April. He shared that the CJP Isa maintained that it was the prerogative of Parliament and did not favour any such amendment. Tarar told him that there was no such thing under consideration, however, the government had concerns related to the appointment and retirement of judges.

The law minister said the CJP had advised him to also consult senior puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah. The SC judge was of the view that it was Parliament’s prerogative and offered assistance in any legal development.

According to Tarar, such a decision across the country was being taken to “decrease the pension bill.”

Govt to table bill on Saturday

The government is set to convene separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate on Saturday, with plans to introduce a significant constitutional amendment.

Sources indicate that the government is confident of securing the necessary numbers in both houses to pass the amendment. Sources claimed that the matter could be pushed to Sunday as well.

The proposed amendment aims to increase the retirement age for all government employees to 68.

Sources further reveal that the amendment will also raise the upper age limit for judges of the superior judiciary to 68 years. The appointment of Chief Justices will be based on seniority, with a three-year term for each Chief Justice.

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According to sources, the amendment is intended to appoint Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa as CJP for a three-year term.

In the event of the incumbent CJPs resignation, the next senior judge will be appointed for a three-year term.