ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly and Senate sessions could not be convened on scheduled time as government and allied parties engaged in a flurry of meetings to arrange the magic numbers to pass the closely guarded ‘constitutional package’.
The government is making last-ditched efforts to get the assent of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose support is seen as crucial for the package’s success in both houses of parliament.
Pre-Session Developments
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held crucial meetings with his elder brother and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif prior to the parliamentary sessions.
Additionally, key government officials engaged in discussions with political leaders, including. Meetings with MQM-P leaders and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also took place.
Initially scheduled for 11:30am, the National Assembly session was delayed to 4pm at the request of the Special Parliamentary Committee. However, due to ongoing discussions, the session has yet to commence. The Senate session, originally set for 4pm, has been rescheduled to 7pm, according to a notification from the Senate Secretariat.
Government’s Confidence and Opposition Concerns
PML-N leader Khawaja Asif expressed confidence that the government would secure the 224 votes needed to pass the amendment, hoping that Maulana Fazlur Rehman would support the amendment. Asif dismissed suggestions that the amendment aims to extend the tenure of CJP Qazi Faez Isa, stating that any judicial reforms will be comprehensive rather than individual-focused.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar echoed these sentiments, saying that the proposed legislation is not designed to benefit any individual but aims to serve the greater good. He announced that a cabinet session would be convened soon to discuss the matter further.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar criticized the constitutional package as an “attack” on judicial independence.
Flanked by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and Senator Shibli Faraz, Gohar talking to reporters accused the government of an unconstitutional process and expressed concerns about compromising the judiciary’s independence.
“This is why they (the government) are attacking our political system,” Gohar stated, emphasizing the opposition’s commitment to protecting the judiciary’s autonomy.
Meanwhile, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bokhari has instructed party members in both the Senate and National Assembly to attend the sessions and vote according to party directives.
The government’s proposed constitutional amenment has sought amendments to over 20 clauses, notably Articles 51, 63, 175, and 187.
Among the key amendments is a proposal to increase the seats in the Balochistan Assembly, raising its seats from 65 to 81.
An amendment to Article 63 has been proposed which will allow dissident members to exercise their right to vote. Article 63 will specifically be amended to grant the voting right to dissident members. Article 63 deals with disqualifications for membership in the Parliament, including voting behaviour, dual nationality, and other misconduct. The proposed amendment will allow dissident members to vote without facing disqualification.
Additionally, under the proposed amendement, appeals on decisions made by the Constitutional Court will now be heard by the same court. Article 181 is also likely to be amended, which currently relates to the temporary appointment of high court judges to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court.