PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stated that even if consultations with the JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman do not yield successful results, efforts would still be made to secure the necessary numbers for constitutional amendments related to the extension of judges’ tenures.

In an interview with a private channel, Bilawal said that the establishment of constitutional courts was a point raised in the Charter of Democracy and he sought consensus from all parties on constitutional amendments.

The JUI-F became the centre of attention in Pakistan’s politics on the weekend after it kept the government on its toes over the vote for a controversial constitutional amendment.

According to media reports, there was more than one draft of the proposed legislation after the JUI-F raised concerns over it. The government made several trips to Fazl’s house on Sunday while keeping sessions of both houses of Parliament delayed.

When the day was about to end the government managed to bring its former ally to Parliament, only to attend the special committee where one of Fazl’s suggestions came out: delay the tabling of the bill by Monday. But it could not happen on the next day because the government could not convince the party over the bill.

Kamran Murtaza, who is Fazl’s go-to guy for legal matters, told Spot Light with Munizae Jahangir earlier this week that he had objections to amendments to articles 8 (Fundamental Rights) and 199 (Jurisdiction of High Court) of the Constitution, saying that tweaks aimed at infringing upon the basic rights and weakening the court rights.

Previously, the PPP chief mentioned that his party has maintained relationships with the JUI-F and Maulana Fazlur Rehman for three generations. “The PPP plays an equally significant role in protecting the Constitution and the democratic system as JUI-F does.”

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Regarding recent consultations with JUI-F on constitutional reforms, Bilawal noted that listening to differing viewpoints was essential for building consensus. He stated that efforts were made to reach an agreement during his meeting with the JUI-F leader. He highlighted the urgency of judicial reforms, noting that such changes should have been implemented long ago. Bilawal pointed out that speeches from all presidents and prime ministers have included calls for judicial reforms.

He added that PTI founder Imran Khan should consider matters beyond his “personal interests,” emphasising that the establishment of constitutional courts was not about imprisoning anyone.