The constitutional amendment would be passed through Parliament “before October 25,” PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar has said as the ruling coalition and the Sindh-ruling party reach consensus over the legislation.
“Everyone wants to include their proposals in the Constitutional Amendments,” he said while appearing on Rubaroo which was aired on Aaj News on Thursday. “The government can secure enough numbers to pass the amendments numerically.”
He did not present any context for his statement, but the aforementioned date is significant for the legal fraternity as incumbent Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa who will retire on this date. Senior puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will precede him as the next CJP.
Last month, CJP Isa clarified that he had refused a proposed extension in his tenure under age limit reforms.
Described as the “26th Constitutional Amendment”, the intended legislation was set to propose a fixed three-year tenure for the chief justice of Pakistan.
Although the legislation was initially scheduled to be introduced in the National Assembly and Senate last month, the government was unable to present it over the weekend despite intensive efforts to secure the necessary support.
The details of the proposed amendments, which had largely been kept under wraps, were discussed during a special parliamentary committee meeting on September 15. It was aimed at bringing the opposition on board, much to the dismay of both opposition members and government allies.
On October 3, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his fear that the tabling of the constitutional amendment in Parliament would be difficult after the aforementioned date.
The PML-N and the PPP have reached an agreement regarding constitutional amendments, sources told Aaj News. Both parties have decided to push for judicial reforms and constitutional amendments to be approved by consensus.
This came during a PPP delegation led by party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on the PML-N delegation by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Consultations on judicial reforms took place between the two parties.
On Monday, PPP Chairman Bilawal said that the government was in a position to pass constitutional amendments without the support of JUI-F and his party after the Supreme Court unanimously accepted a review petition against its 2022 verdict related to the defection clause under Article 63-A of the Constitution.
According to reports, the government has scheduled separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate for October 18 to approve the constitutional amendments. It has recalled its members from foreign trips, instructing them to return by October 15 “at all costs.”
PPP lawmaker Khursheed Shah has convened an in-camera meeting of the special committee of Parliament to discuss constitutional amendments on Friday, sources said.
The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 11am at the Parliament House.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been invited to the special committee meeting, along with former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI MNA Malik Amir Dogar.
During the PPP and PML-N leaders meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the decline in inflation rates from 32% to 6.9%, as well as the reduction in the policy rate and overall economic improvement.
They noted the continuous enhancement of economic indicators and praised the “record remittances of $8.8 billion” sent by overseas Pakistanis, stating that the increasing pace of relief for Pakistan and its citizens was “encouraging and a positive omen.”
They also welcomed the arrival of a Saudi investment delegation and the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, agreeing that such activities represent “significant progress” for Pakistan’s international standing and economic betterment.
Nawaz stated that “time has proven” the significance of signing the Charter of Democracy in 2006, describing it as a “historic decision made at the right time and in the right direction.” He noted that the agreement has strengthened democracy in the country, allowing Parliament to complete its terms. Sharif added that, as a result of the pact, all political parties united to challenge “undemocratic forces” that propagate politics of protests and chaos.
He called on all democratic forces to work together to establish a “system of justice through Parliament—one that respects public opinion and institutions, ensuring no individual holds the power to derail the democratic system at will.”
Nawaz stressed that it should not be possible for a single person to plunge the country into darkness, asserting that the economic successes are also rooted in political unity and consensus.
He went on to add that the Charter of Democracy expressed a desire for all forces to collaborate in providing Pakistan with political and economic stability, ultimately leading to a prosperous nation.
Bilawal said that his late mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz took a “historic step” to advance the country through the Charter of Democracy, emphasizing the need to continue this journey.
In response, Nawaz stated that they stand united for political tolerance, ethics, and the supremacy of the Constitution and law. He noted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment has strengthened institutions.
The PML-N president commended Bilawal for his political role and offered him praise for his efforts.
Bilawal expressed his appreciation for Nawaz’s political capital, vision, and experience, stating that the country and its people need his political insights and foresight.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the political situation in the country, reinforcing their commitment to collaboration for Pakistan’s progress.
Bilawal presented proposals regarding constitutional courts and judicial reforms to Nawaz, expressing his desire for these amendments to be approved with the consensus of political parties.
Nawaz assured him that the PML-N “stands ready to support every proposal” from the PPP for the betterment of the country.
Both leaders agreed on the common goals of political parties for national development and prosperity.
Accompanying Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were Yusuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Khursheed Shah, Naveed Qamar, Raza Rabbani, Jameel Soomro, Sherry Rehman, and Murtaza Wahab. Meanwhile, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif was joined by Ahsan Iqbal, Irfan Siddiqui, Pervez Rasheed, Rana Sanaullah, Maryam Aurangzeb, Murtaza Abbasi, and others during the meeting.
Following their discussions with the PML-N, the PPP delegation met with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to inform him about the situation regarding the acceptance of their proposals.
“Meetings with Maulana Fazlur Rehman have always been productive,” PPP Sherry Rehman told reporters after the meeting. She emphasised the importance of moving forward with consultations involving all stakeholders, including Fazl.
Sherry also mentioned that Bilawal has urged consultations with all political parties.
When a journalist asked if constitutional amendments could still be made after October 25, Sherry Rehman responded, “Why can’t they?”
Another journalist inquired whether a joint committee could be formed for the constitutional amendments, to which she replied that separate committees were working on “various aspects.”
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When asked whether all parties would present their drafts at the special committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Friday), she responded that the PPP would present its proposals while it would be up to the other parties to decide whether to do the same.
She added that Bilawal informed Nawaz about the establishment of constitutional courts and referenced the Charter of Democracy.
Regarding whether the PML-N president accepted the JUI-F chief’s suggestion to exclude military courts from constitutional amendments, Sherry avoided answering the question directly.
A journalist also asked why there are repeated meetings and if they indicate failure. The PPP lawmaker explained that in politics, “it is often necessary to hold multiple meetings to build consensus, which ultimately leads to agreement.”
