Imran Khan’s PTI has decided to refrain from participating in what it termed a “non-transparent and controversial” 26th constitutional amendment process as both sessions of Parliament would meet on Sunday (today) for the crucial vote.

“The PTI’s Political Committee has announced a complete boycott of the voting process for the constitutional amendment in both houses of Parliament,” the party said in a statement issued on Facebook in the wee hours of the day.

The announcement comes as the legislation seeking judicial reforms has brought the legislative business to a halt for quite some time. But the Senate in a late-night session on Saturday passed a banking companies amendment bill aimed at strengthening the legal framework for Islamic banking in the country.

The 26th constitutional amendment bill is expected to be in Parliament on Sunday after sessions of both Houses were repeatedly adjourned.

The National Assembly is scheduled to meet at 6pm while the Senate would meet at 3pm. In the meantime, the federal cabinet would also meet at 3pm to approve the legislation.

According to Law Minister Attaullah Tarar, cabinet members would form an opinion by 2:30pm over the legislation.

The committee expressed “strong opposition” to any PTI members of the National Assembly and Senate who violate party policy by participating in the voting process.

Furthermore, Khan’s party has decided that its workers would stage “peaceful protests” outside the residences of any members who partake in the voting, as a demonstration against their actions.

The political committee emphasised its commitment to uphold party policies and maintain discipline among its ranks.

Moreover, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman would respond to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s request for a vote on the constitutional amendment bill today. He decided this while reacting to the PTI’s request for time until Sunday to give a final reply on the draft.

PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai told reporters that former prime minister Khan’s release was “necessary” to get the country out of crisis.

Salient features of draft to be changed

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.

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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.