PTBP Web Desk
The proposed constitutional amendment package has been postponed indefinitely, according to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts by the ruling alliance to build consensus on the much-debated amendments. Despite several meetings with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, an agreement on certain provisions of the package has yet to be finalized.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui revealed that while Maulana Fazlur Rehman did not oppose the amendments on principle, he raised justified concerns that need further deliberation. “Fazl agrees on certain amendments but needs time to study details of some provisions,” Siddiqui stated. The JUI-F chief’s primary objections relate to the proposed changes in the judicial system, particularly the extension of judges’ tenure or the increase in their retirement age. These provisions have been a point of contention, and Fazl has requested additional time to review the draft in detail.
In an effort to secure support for the constitutional amendments, several political leaders, including federal ministers and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, held meetings with Maulana Fazl on Sunday. The discussions continued late into the night, with former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the recently established Awaam Pakistan party’s Secretary Miftah Ismail also visiting Fazl’s residence. Furthermore, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Senator and former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar were among those who met with the JUI-F chief to discuss the amendments.
Passing a constitutional amendment in Pakistan requires a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate, making the process particularly challenging. In the National Assembly, the ruling coalition currently has 211 members, needing 224 votes to pass the amendment. This means they are short of 13 votes. The coalition includes the PML-N with 110 seats, PPP with 68 seats, and other smaller parties, while the opposition comprises 101 members, including the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and PTI-backed independents.
In the Senate, the ruling coalition holds 54 seats and requires 64 votes to secure a two-thirds majority, indicating they are short of nine votes. The opposition in the Senate consists of PTI with 17 seats, JUI-F with 5, and other parties holding the remaining seats. The support of the JUI-F and its eight members in the National Assembly is crucial for the passage of the amendments, underscoring the importance of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s stance on the issue.
One of the major sticking points in the proposed amendments is related to judicial reforms, including the extension of judges’ tenure or increasing their retirement age. This proposal has faced opposition from various quarters, including the JUI-F chief, who has expressed concerns about the implications of such changes. The proposed amendments also aim to address issues related to parliamentary supremacy and the role of the judiciary, areas that require careful consideration and broad-based support to ensure they serve the country’s democratic interests.
The postponement of the constitutional amendment package highlights the complexities of forging consensus in Pakistan’s political landscape. The ruling alliance’s efforts to bring all parties on board reflect the contentious nature of the proposed changes and the need for thorough deliberation. The involvement of key political figures and parties in these discussions underscores the significance of the amendments and their potential impact on the country’s governance and judicial system.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui’s announcement indicates that the government is willing to take the time necessary to address concerns and build a unified approach to the amendments. The focus on achieving a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament suggests that the ruling coalition is committed to ensuring that any changes to the constitution are made with broad-based support.
