PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said on Saturday that his party’s two senators might vote for the government’s constitutional amendment amid efforts to reach a consensus on the draft of the legislation seeking judicial reforms.

“Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur and Faisal Saleem Rahman are the two senators who might cast a vote in favour of the government’s constitutional amendment,” he told reporters after meeting JUI-F Chairman Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad.

The consultation process to build consensus on the 26th Constitutional Amendment intensified on Saturday following a meeting between former prime minister Imran Khan and a PTI delegation, which subsequently visited JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence in Islamabad and sought more time over the legislation related to judicial reforms.

Gohar stated that there has been no consensus on the draft under discussion. He reflected positively on the meetings with Fazl and added that such engagements were part of the democratic process.

While addressing comments about Imran Khan’s alleged reprimand, he clarified that anyone suggesting the PTI founder was “angry is mistaken.” He added: “The founder did not say a word; all of this is false. He has not called for any protests, as he believes it would distract from public attention.”

Gohar revealed that two of their senators were leaning towards the government, which he condemned.

“If people are to be taken like this, it is not democracy. If this is the case, then there is no need for a prime minister. Our parliamentary representatives will come to Parliament, and we expect them to stand with us.”

PTI to continue consultations with Fazl

The PTI has decided to continue consultations with Fazl regarding the constitutional amendments, informing him that the founder has requested time until Monday for further discussions.

Earlier, the PTI delegation had arrived at the JUI-F chief’s residence to engage in consultations on the constitutional amendment. PTI leaders expressed their grievances about being denied permission to meet with the PTI founder in Adiala Jail.

A five-member PTI delegation, including party chairman Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Ali Zafar, Asad Qaiser, and Hamid Raza, received permission to meet with Khan. The delegation visited the Adiala Jail where they held detailed discussions with the PTI founder on the constitutional amendment.

Following the meeting, Gohar addressed the media at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad. He stated that the delegation had a 45-minute conversation with the PTI founder, who “is in good health.”

The PTI chairman claimed that Khan had been without electricity in his cell for five days and had not received any newspapers for two weeks, leaving him unaware of the political situation, including the arrest of his sister. He said that the PTI founder’s spirits remain high, but “his rights must be respected.”

Gohar added that the PTI founder praised Fazl’s role and noted that consultations with him have not yet been completed. He stated that Khan insisted on continuing discussions with Fazl.

Without consulting Khan, the PTI would not vote on the constitutional amendment. Gohar reaffirmed that the “PTI is the largest party in Parliament and expressed confidence that Fazl would support them in this endeavour.”

Read more:

Bilawal warns against taking ‘unfavourable path’ if further compelled to make changes

How the constitutional amendment aims to reshape the judiciary

PTI leaders stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has the support of the party’s founder and expressed hope that Fazl would remain aligned with them.

He added that the PTI founder named four individuals to be sent for further consultations and they would attempt to meet with him again on Monday.

Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser raised concerns about the nature of constitutional amendments, questioning “if there has ever been a time in history when such amendments were made by intimidating women and children.” He condemned the abduction of individuals, asserting that it was “unacceptable.”

Asad Qaiser expressed confidence that no PTI member would defect, stating that any member who betrays the party would be “betraying both Pakistan and the PTI founder.”

President expected to arrive at Fazl’s residence

President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to visit Fazl’s residence after the PTI delegation’s meeting. The president’s protocol has already arrived at Fazl’s house, where security has been tightened outside.

Fazl’s residence has become the hub for political engagements and activities, with discussions ongoing about the current political situation and the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.

A delegation from the PPP met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the political landscape and strategize.

Later, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his delegation, arrived at Fazl’s house where they also met with BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal.

Naveed Qamar, Murtaza Wahab, and Sherry Rehman accompanied Bilawal at the meeting. The PTI delegation included Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, and Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Hamid Raza.

Previously, PM Shehbaz Sharif visited Fazl’s residence without protocol, but negotiations failed, prompting a strong reaction from the JUI-F chief. He warned that if the government did not adopt a “serious approach, the consultation process would be halted.”