Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the federal cabinet has granted “in-principle approval” for the 26th constitutional amendment.

“All aspects of the draft approved by the committee were presented for consideration in the cabinet meeting. Concerns of coalition parties were also taken into account during the discussions. Cabinet members have requested until 2:30pm today [Sunday] to provide their feedback on the draft,” Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied the minister at the press talk.

Consultations on the constitutional amendments have been ongoing for the past four weeks, according to the law minister. He added that some changes would be made to the salient features of the draft that was approved by the special parliamentary committee and the cabinet would seek approval for these revisions.

To demonstrate political unity, he said: “It is possible that the constitutional amendments bill will be presented in the House by a political party.” The law minister also mentioned that timelines have been established for the formation of constitutional benches, the review of judges’ performance, and the enhancement of transparency in the accountability process.

Tarar added that provisions for the “establishment of two secretariats” have been included in the constitutional amendments.

The law minister pointed out that the Registrar’s Office has to work diligently for data recording. Additionally, he noted that there was no separate arrangement for handling references related to the accountability of judges under Article 209; this responsibility falls solely on the Supreme Court staff, leading to protracted delays in decisions.

He further stated that it would be determined whether the bill would be officially presented by the government or introduced by the allied parties. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also expressed his desire to present this bill in the assembly.”

The law minister has confirmed that all decisions would be made today (Sunday) at 2:30pm. He noted that a Senate session has been convened for 3pm. Additionally, he mentioned that the budget would also be passed on Sunday.

“Today’s schedule includes sessions for the Senate of Pakistan at 3pm and for the National Assembly at 5pm,” he said.

Federal cabinet meeting under way ‘to approve’ 26th constitutional amendment

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also reached his chamber in Parliament for the cabinet meeting with the 26th constitutional amendment on the cards.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have arrived at the Parliament House.

Sources said that the cabinet is set to approve the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill during the meeting.

Deputy PM Dar and Law Minister Tarar updated the cabinet regarding their recent meeting with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Amidst this, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressed a press conference alongside PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Fazl said that he has sought one more day for approval on the constitutional amendment following the PTI’s request for time until Sunday.

Furthermore, there are expectations that the federal cabinet meeting may be postponed until 1pm. The cabinet has not yet approved the “26th Constitutional Amendment,” according to sources.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has arrived at the Prime Minister’s chamber.

NA session adjourned till Sunday 11:30am; Senate session to begin in half an hour

The Senate session has been rescheduled to take place at 3pm on Sunday instead of the previously planned 12:30am. It is expected the much-discussed constitutional amendment will be tabled during the session.

The Senate session began on Saturday after a three-hour delay, however, it was adjourned after a brief discussion.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly session was adjourned till Sunday (tomorrow) at 11:30am. National Assembly Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah presides over the NA session on Saturday.

The National Assembly session has been rescheduled to take place at 3pm instead of the previously planned 11:30pm.

Meanwhile, the Senate Secretariat released the agenda for session, which is set to begin at 12:30pm on October 20. Notably, the agenda does not include the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Sources said that the Senate session may also be rescheduled, with indications that it could convene at 1:30pm.

Senate session begins after three-hour delay

Senate Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar presided over the session.

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Banking Companies Amendment Bill in the Senate.

He noted that during the global economic crisis of 2008, many companies went under. In light of this, the finance minister stated that reforms have been implemented to address potential difficulties faced by financial institutions.

Aurangzeb added that the legal framework has been strengthened to support Islamic banking. He mentioned that the regulatory role of the State Bank of Pakistan has been reinforced.

The finance minister also highlighted that facilities have been improved for complaints to the banking ombudsman, making it easier for individuals to voice their concerns. This legislation aims to enhance the stability and reliability of the banking sector in Pakistan.

At least 49 senators were present, with many attending continuously over the past five to six days.

At the session, Senator Danesh Kumar Palyani urged the deputy speaker to please table the constitutional amendment as lawmakers like him have been in the federal capital for nearly a week.

Senate Deputy Chairman Nasar said: “Now we are receiving calls referring to us as the senators of the constitutional amendment.”

As discussions progress, the focus remains on advancing the proposed amendments within the legislative body.

Senator Palyani sought details from the finance minister on the non-tax category. He asked whether students and household women would be barred from travelling abroad or using flights.

“The categories you shared will not be part of a non-filer situation. This is similar to a situation where you are out of the tax net if your annual income is Rs600,000. Similarly, the category you shared will not be touched.”

He went on to add that non-filer legislation would be presented in future because Pakistan is the only country with non-filer terminology. “How is this possible? I must tell you that you cannot vote in most countries if you do not file taxes. This non-filer legislation will be tabled in the Senate and the National Assembly. We will have to end this non-filer category.”

ANP Senator Aimal Wali also addressed the session and spoke about the country’s history.

Later, the session was adjourned till Sunday 12:30am after PPP senator Farooq H Naek urged the House.

More to follow…