Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has claimed that his party secured the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment despite uncertainty surrounding the appointment of the Chief Justice.

In an interview with the BBC, the former foreign minister stated that the amendment, which paved the way for the appointment of a new Chief Justice, was a significant achievement completed before October 25th.

Bhutto Zardari emphasized that the amendment’s passage wouldn’t have been possible under a different Chief Justice. He claimed being unaware that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah would not be appointed Chief Justice and alleged that attempts were made to discredit Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

He linked the amendment to the May 9th attacks on military installations, stating the government’s intention to prosecute those responsible was hampered by the court’s interpretation of the constitution.

Bhutto Zardari further asserted that the PPP possessed sufficient numbers to pass the 26th Amendment, even without the support of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

He stated that while they could have amended the constitution to their liking, the PPP chose to uphold its commitment to the Charter of Democracy, prioritizing consensus over forceful voting tactics. He also noted that the constitutional powers intended for the Constitutional Court were ultimately granted to the constitutional bench.