Live: Updates: President Zardari ratifies 26th Constitutional Amendment, gazette notification issued
PM Shehbaz earlier sent advice to President Zardari for assent to the 26th constitutional amendment
New CJP appointment process starts: NA speaker seeks 12 names for committee
Following the ratification of the 26th constitutional amendment by President Asif Ali Zardari, a gazette notification has been issued to officially enforce the new law.
The amendment sets the groundwork for the appointment of the next Chief Justice of Pakistan, and the process of forming a parliamentary committee tasked with this responsibility has already commenced.
Sources reveal that the Speaker of the National Assembly has requested parliamentary leaders to submit names for the 12-member committee, which will comprise 8 members from the National Assembly and 4 members from the Senate. Once the committee is formed, a three-member panel of senior judges will be presented by the Ministry of Law for consideration. The parliamentary committee will then select the new Chief Justice from this panel.
President Zardari ratifies 26th Constitutional Amendment, gazette notification issued
President Asif ali Zardari ratified the 26th Constitutional Amendment on the advise of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after crucial amendments were passed by Parliament in a midnight session.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent advice to President Asif Ali Zardari for assent to the 26th constitutional amendment after its passage by both houses of the parliament with a two-thirds majority.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the passage of the 26th constitutional amendment is an excellent manifestation of national solidarity and consensus.
Speaking in the National Assembly today (Monday) after passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, he expressed the confidence this legislation will ensure easy and speedy justice to the common man. Describing it as a major milestone, he said this is the fulfillment of the unfinished agenda of Charter of Democracy signed by the political parties.
He was confident that this constitutional amendment will secure and strengthen the country’s future.
The Prime Minister said that the political parties while rising above their personal interests and egos move forward in the best national interest.
JI says Form-47 ‘products’ pass Constitutional Amendment from Parliament
Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeemur Rahman reacting to the 26 Constitutional Amendment said legislation in Parliament was carried out in the dead of the night and the whole process was ‘suspicious’.
He claimed that the newly passed amendments in the Constitution affected the ‘spirit of the Constitution’.
SC Justice Masnoor Ali Shah raises questions on 26th Constitutional amendments
During the hearing of a case related to the Competition Commission of Pakistan, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah made notable remarks about the introduction of constitutional benches under the 26th Amendment as he inquired if the case would now be heard by the newly formed constitutional bench or a regular one, noting, "It seems this question will arise every day"
Barrister Farogh Naseem observed that political cases have increasingly transformed into constitutional matters.
Justice Ayesha Malik also remarked, "Now you know about your constitutional bench."
The court decided to postpone the hearing for three weeks to allow time for further clarity on how the new amendment would impact case proceedings. Justice Ayesha Malik emphasized that under the amendment, Article 199 cases cannot be heard by the court.
Climate Change Authority Case
In another case, Justice Mansoor engaged in an interesting conversation with the Additional Attorney General, inquiring if the Climate Change Authority's chairman notification had been issued.
The Attorney General humorously replied that it had not, as he had been busy. Justice Mansoor responded with a light-hearted remark: "Now all the busyness will be over."
Pakistan passes 26th Constitutional Amendment, reshaping judicial appointments
The Pakistani Parliament has passed the 26th Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority, introducing significant changes to the country's judicial system. This amendment marks a shift in the balance of power between the judiciary and the legislature, establishing greater parliamentary oversight in the appointment of judges and the Chief Justice.
Key changes include:
1. A 12-member special parliamentary committee will now select the Chief Justice from among the three most senior judges, with final approval from the Prime Minister and President.
2. Supreme Court judge appointments will be made by a commission headed by the Chief Justice, including four senior judges, the Law Minister, Attorney General, and representatives from the bar and parliament.
3. The creation of Constitutional Benches to handle specific constitutional matters and suo motu notices under Article 184.
4. Restrictions on judicial review of advice given by the Prime Minister or Cabinet to the President.
5. Introduction of a performance review mechanism for High Court judges.
6. Mandatory Pakistani citizenship and extensive legal experience requirements for Supreme Court and High Court judges.
The amendment aims to enhance judicial performance and ensure a more balanced distribution of power among state institutions. Proponents argue that this will lead to a more democratic and accountable judicial system, while critics may view it as a potential infringement on judicial independence.
‘Long live democracy, long live Parliament’ Maryam on Parliament's new laws
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has lauded the passing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment calling it a historic moment for democracy and the supremacy of Parliament.
In her statement following the approval, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the significance of the amendment in restoring Parliament’s authority and strengthening the judicial system.
“Long live democracy, long live Parliament,” declared the Chief Minister, congratulating the nation on this achievement. She highlighted that the 26th amendment is a “clear message for the people to raise their voice” and stands as a pivotal reform for ensuring justice is not only served but also seen to be done in a timely manner.
The amendment is crucial for the supremacy of Parliament and reflects a broader movement towards making Pakistan an “exemplary democracy” on the global stage.
She praised the introduction of reforms that would open a new chapter in the judicial system, saying, “With this amendment, justice will be delivered efficiently.”
Public access to justice has been secured, and the independence of the judiciary has been enhanced, she remarked, while also welcoming the termination of the interest clause.
Maryam Nawaz expressed her confidence that these reforms would lead to a stronger, more equitable democratic system in Pakistan, ensuring justice and restoring dignity to Parliament.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment, with its wide-reaching judicial and environmental reforms, has been met with widespread support, and Maryam Nawaz believes it will serve as a foundation for future democratic growth.
Chief Justice of Pakistan appointment process as per 26th Constitutional Amendment
The 26th Constitutional Amendment has introduced major reforms, reshaping the judiciary in Pakistan. The amendment outlines significant changes, including the appointment procedure and tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP).
The newly passed 27-point amendment includes 22 provisions from the government and 5 proposed by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI). Here are the key details:
Chief Justice Appointment
The Chief Justice of Pakistan will now be appointed by a 12-member parliamentary committee of 8 members from the National Assembly and 4 from the Senate.
The committee will select one of the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court to be the Chief Justice. The selection process requires a two-thirds majority vote, ensuring broad consensus.
If the appointed judge reaches the age of 65 before completing the fixed three-year term, they will retire at that point. The change was made through an amendment to Article 179, which previously only outlined the retirement age.
Judicial Reforms
The creation of constitutional benches in the Supreme Court has been enshrined through the introduction of Article 191A. These benches, composed of senior judges, will exclusively hear constitutional matters, appeals, and suo motu cases. The judicial commission will determine the number of judges to form the bench, and each province will have equal representation as much as possible.
The amendment also introduces a similar system of constitutional benches in High Courts, though the creation of these benches will depend on provincial legislation. Moreover, High Courts will no longer have the authority to take suo motu notices.
Judicial Commission and Other Changes
The Judicial Commission remains intact, with four members of parliament and a representative from civil society added to the structure. A new provision allows the Speaker of the National Assembly to nominate a woman or non-Muslim member to the commission for a two-year term.
Additionally, the power of the judiciary to issue any order for complete justice under Article 187 has been limited. The judiciary can now only issue orders within the constitutional framework.
The ruling rainbow coalition termed the amendment as a significant shift in how the judiciary operates, with increased parliamentary oversight.
‘I have not voted for constitutional amendment,’ avers Zain Qureshi
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zain Qureshi stated that he had not voted in favor of the 26th constitutional amendment.
In a video statement issued following the approval of the constitutional package in the parliament, Qureshi asserted: “Propaganda is being done against me over the matter.”
“I would like to assure the PTI leadership and masses of my constituency that I cannot even imagine voting in favor of this constitutional package,” he maintained.
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– Omar Ayub sees constitutional amendment ‘attempt to weaken’ judiciary –
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub asserted that the constitutional amendment is an attempt to "weaken" the judiciary.
Expressing his thoughts during the NA session in the wee hours of Monday, Ayub said: "Intezar Panjotha to date is missing. Riaz Fatyana's son had been abducted twice."
Ayub lamented: “Why not the constitutional amendment could be passed on October 31?" Was the country would have closed if the amendment passed subsequently?”
“The constitutional amendment’s draft should have been dispatched to the standing committee and law and justice,” he stated.
“The real objective of the special committee had not been used,” Ayub said.
‘Parliament sets template for embracing national integration,’ says PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the parliament had set the template for embracing national integration after the Senate and National Assembly passed the 26th constitutional amednment.
Expressing his thoughts during the key NA session in the wee hours of Monday, the premier expressed his gratitude to the allies following the passing of the constitutional package. “The constitutional amendment will pave way for the robust future of the country,” he added.
He acknowledged the role of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in the historical moment in the country’s political landscape. “Bilawal Bhutto had put in a lot of hard work and dedication to ensure the amendments get passed from the parliament.”
“The name of one judge had been taken in the session. I don’t know what he used to talk about. That judge tendered his resignation,” he added.
Speaking about former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, PM Shehbaz said: “The dream of both Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif has come true.”
“It had been decided today that the parliament has supremacy,” he added.
Meanwhile, the premier had signed on the constitutional amendment bill approved by the parliament.
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President Zardari to sign 26th Constitutional Amendment Act Bill today
A ceremony for the signing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Act Bill is scheduled to take place at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad today (Monday).
The time of the event had changed. It is expected that the event will take place during the day. However, the time had not been decided.
The event was scheduled to begin at 6:00 am, where President Asif Ali Zardari will formally endorse the bill following its approval by the Senate and National Assembly.
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– Govt has invited PTI on many accounts –
Separately, earlier on Sunday Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Sherry Rehman said that the incumbent government has invited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for special committee on many occasions.
Expressing her thoughhts during the key Senate session, Rehman said: "The PTI had no proposals over the constitutional amendment in 10 meetings of the parliamentary committee.
She acknowledged the role of the PPP leadership, stating, "The PPP had a laid the foundation of the constitution. 80 percent of the clauses of the charter of democracy were included through the charter of democracy."
Fazl acknowledges political unity in constitutional amendment
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman commended all political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for their collaborative efforts in successfully passing crucial constitutional amendment.
Expressing his thoughts during the key National Assembly session in the wee hours of Monday, Rehman highlighted the discussions stemmed from the issues concerning the Supreme Court judges' aspirations for extended terms.
Fazl brought the matter to the legislative floor, advocating for a constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring harmonious operations between the legislature and judiciary.
He emphasised the significance of the Charter of Democracy, a document he signed to promote a unified political consensus, which called for a constitutional court but lamented the emergence of divisive forums that contradicted its principles.
“The constitution will remain steadfast, even amid shifting political landscapes,” Fazl asserted, underlining the enduring nature of constitutional commitments between the nation and its provinces. He characterized the Constitution as sacred, noting that amendments become increasingly challenging as its importance is upheld.
He condemned the mistreatment of any political leader and expressed regret for not having condemned such actions sooner.
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Khawaja Asif advocates for parliamentary dignity through constitutional amendment
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasised the importance of restoring the “respect and dignity” of parliament following the Senate's passage of key constitutional amendments.
Expressing his thoughts during the key National Assembly session in the wee hours of Monday, Asif said: "Maintaining consistency in political behavior is essential for achieving the respect and dignity that the legislature seeks."
The defence minister underscored that these constitutional changes are not a new initiative from the government but rather a continuation of the charter of democracy, a historic agreement signed by all political leaders, including the PTI founder.
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Earlier, Asif hoped that judiciary will shift its focus from politics to ensure immediate justice for the citizens following the approval of the constitutional amendment from the Senate.
Expressing his thoughts, Asif said: "The Senate has approved a pivotal amendment and the National Assembly will follow suit shortly."
Asif stated: "The parliamentary democratic system will be liberated from judicial dominance."
"The power that belongs to the people, after the Higher Power’s decree will be freed from the clutches of the judiciary," Asif maintained.
"They [PTI leaders] will vote for the package due to some reasons," he added.
'Judiciary has unconstitutionally assumed powers,' laments Bilawal
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari lamented that the judiciary had "unconstitutionally assumed powers.".
Expressing his thoughts during the National Assembly session, the former foreign minister said: "The judiciary has become a mockery of our legal system globally."
He described former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry, as a "black snake" threatening the foundations of the Constitution and democracy.
He went on to highlight the need for constitutional reforms, referring to previous threats by Chaudhry to discard the 18th Amendment, which could further undermine democratic progress. "We are on the verge of establishing a constitutional bench that will prioritize the people's interests," he added.
Bhutto-Zardari urged all parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to support crucial amendment proposed by JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman. "Let’s come together for the sake of the constitution and democracy," he implored.
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Omar Ayub sees constitutional amendment ‘attempt to weaken’ judiciary
Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub asserted that the constitutional amendment is an attempt to "weaken" the judiciary.
Expressing his thoughts during the NA session in the wee hours of Monday, Ayub said: "Intezar Panjotha to date is missing. Riaz Fatyana's son had been abducted twice."
Ayub lamented: “Why not the constitutional amendment could be passed on October 31?" Was the country would have closed if the amendment passed subsequently?”
“The constitutional amendment’s draft should have been dispatched to the standing committee and law and justice,” he stated.
“The real objective of the special committee had not been used,” Ayub said.
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Asif hopes judiciary will shift focus from politics after amendment's approval
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hoped on Sunday that judiciary will shift its focus from politics to ensure immediate justice for the citizens following the approval of the constitutional amendment from the Senate.
Expressing his thoughts, Asif said: "The Senate has approved a pivotal amendment and the National Assembly will follow suit shortly."
Asif stated: "The parliamentary democratic system will be liberated from judicial dominance."
"The power that belongs to the people, after the Higher Power’s decree will be freed from the clutches of the judiciary," Asif maintained.
"They [PTI leaders] will vote for the package due to some reasons," he added.
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Constitutional package: Barrister Ali Zafar asks Senate chairman to not consider vote of PTI leaders
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Ali Zafar on Sunday asked Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to not consider the vote of any of the PTI members on the package."
Expressing his thoughts during the key Senate session, Zafar said: "It has been rumored that some of our companions will be present before the parliament. It is unfair to take the vote for the constitutional amendment by "compelling" people.
"They [PTI leaders] will vote for the package due to some reasons," he added.
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He said, "It is decided during our party's parliamentary meeting that we will not support the constitutional amendment bill."
Key highlights of 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar on Sunday introduced the long-awaited 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 in the Senate. The bill includes several key changes aimed at enhancing various aspects of governance and legal frameworks in Pakistan.
Below are the salient features of the bill:
Right to clean and healthy environment:
- A new Article 9A is inserted, granting every citizen the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Elimination of riba (Interest):
- Amendment to Article 38 (f) mandates the complete elimination of riba (interest) by January 1, 2028.
Judicial Independence and Protection:
- Amendment to Article 48(4) clarifies that the advice given to the President by the Cabinet or Prime Minister cannot be challenged in any court or tribunal
- Amendment to Article 81 includes provisions for the allocation of funds for judicial bodies such as the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and Supreme Judicial Council
Watch exclusive coverage - Article 175A has been revised to provide a performance evaluation system for judges of the High Courts. The evaluation process will ensure accountability and address inefficiencies
- Revisions to Article 177 specify that a person must have served as a High Court Judge for at least five years or practiced for 15 years in the High Court and the Supreme Court to qualify as a Judge of the Supreme Court
- Amendment to Article 48(4) clarifies that the advice given to the President by the Cabinet or Prime Minister cannot be challenged in any court or tribunal
Revised procedure for appointment of judges:
- Article 175A has been further modified to change the composition of the Judicial Commission responsible for appointing Supreme Court judges. A
- Special Parliamentary Committee will appoint the Chief Justice of Pakistan from among the three most senior judges
- The committee will include representatives from the National Assembly and Senate, ensuring proportional representation of political parties based on their parliamentary strength
- The committee will operate with a majority vote (two-thirds) to finalize judicial appointments
Organising elections:
- Amendment to Article 81 includes provisions for sums to organize and conduct elections for the National Assembly, Senate, Provincial Assemblies, and local governments
- Amendment to Article 81 includes provisions for sums to organize and conduct elections for the National Assembly, Senate, Provincial Assemblies, and local governments
Judicial evaluation and accountability:
- Provisions are added for annual performance evaluations of High Court Judges by the Judicial Commission.
In cases of unsatisfactory performance, judges will be given a chance to improve, failing which the matter will be referred to the Supreme Judicial Council
- Provisions are added for annual performance evaluations of High Court Judges by the Judicial Commission.
Retirement age and tenure of Chief Justice of Pakistan:
- Amendment to Article 179 limits the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to three years, irrespective of age. After the completion of their term, the Chief Justice will retire regardless of their age at the time
Appointment criteria for SC:
- Changes to Article 177 redefine the qualifications required for appointments to the Supreme Court, requiring candidates to have served as High Court judges for at least five years or to have practised as advocates for at least 15 years
After Senate, NA passes long-awaited 26th constitutional amendments with two-thirds majority
The National Assembly has successfully passed the long-awaited 26th Constitutional Amendment in the wee hours of Monday, following a marathon session of the Senate.
According to details, with a resounding vote of 225 in favor and only 12 against, the amendment is considered to be a significant achievement for the incumbent government, with a two-thirds majority in the parliament.
The NA session had been postponed till Tuesday at 5:00 pm.
Meanwhile, a ceremony for the signing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Act Bill is scheduled to take place at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad today (Monday).
The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 am, where President Asif Ali Zardari will formally endorse the bill following its approval by the Senate and National Assembly.
Earlier, expressing his thoughts during the key NA session, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had said the establishment of the judicial commission that will include top legal officials and senior judges.
"The Attorney General and representatives from the Pakistan Bar will also be part of the Commission," Tarar confirmed.
He said, "Three of the most senior judges from the Supreme Court will join the judicial commission."
"The chief justice will lead the judicial commission," he added.
Acknowledging the efforts of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Tarar stated, "Bilawal Bhutto has worked tirelessly for the constitutional amendment."
He had also credited JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying, "Maulana Fazlur Rehman played a crucial role in achieving consensus on the draft."
The law minister said: "The constitutional benches for the high courts have been introduced."
"We will decide on appointments of judges in the higher judiciary through collective consultation," Tarar said.
"When chief justices with six or seven years of experience came, we all witnessed what transpired," he lamented.
The chief justice's tenure has been capped at three years.
Following a brief recess, the National Assembly session resumed, where these crucial reforms were discussed in detail.
Earlier, after numerous delays and debates, the Senate had approved the Constitution (26th Amendment) Act, 2024, endorsing 22 clauses of the legislation.
Known as the constitutional package, it has included proposals such as extending the chief justice's term. A parliamentary committee with diverse party representation had been reviewing various suggestions, culminating in today’s approval from the federal cabinet, supported by coalition partners, emphasising national development and public welfare.
Earlier, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar tabled the 26th constitutional amendment in the Senate.
According to details, the Senate session started on Sunday after the long delay in connection with the tabling of the constitutional amendment.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani chaired a key Senate session.
64 of the senators were present during the session.
The 65 lawmakers extended their support to ensure the passing of the constitutional amendment. Out of 65, 58 government lawmakers, five JUI-F leaders, and two BNP senators had voted for the amendment.
Meanwhile, the PTI, SIC, and MWM had decided against voting for the amendment.
Five of the JUI-F amendments were also approved.
Subsequently, Senate session had adjourned until Tuesday (October 22).
– PTI will not vote on constitutional amendment, reiterates Barrister Gohar –
Earlier on Sunday, hours before the Senate session, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated that his party will not vote on the constitutional amendment.
Speaking to media flanked by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Khan said: "We have made considerations on the draft proposed by the government. We understand the matters pertaining to the constitutional amendment with depth."
PTI will not vote on constitutional amendment, reiterates Barrister Gohar
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated on Sunday that his party will not vote on the constitutional amendment.
Speaking to the media flanked by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Khan said: "We have made considerations on the draft proposed by the government. We understand the matters pertaining to the constitutional amendment with depth."
"Bringing the amendment in the constitution is a serious matter," he added.
Acknowledging the role of Rehman, Khan said: "We would like to express our gratitude to Fazlur Rehman on behalf of the PTI."
"Maulana Fazlur Rehman has shown great tolerance," he added.
"It is been while that we are meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman," he stated.
Read Also: 'Govt wants to take Fazlur Rehman on board over constitutional amendment'
Meanwhile, expressing his thoughts, Rehman said, "We have agreed on the constitutional package. I had made a principled stance in the assembly. The constitution does not belong to any single entity, but to the to the masses."
"It is the PTI's fundamental right to disagree over the constitutional amendment, which we support," he added.
"There has been no tussle over the draft of the bill," he added.
– JI's stance on constitutional package –
Earlier, in the wee hours of Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said on Sunday that the nation will not accept 'any deal' between the government and opposition on the constitutional amendment.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) in the wee hours, Rehman said: "If the pressure is being mounted on the lawmakers, then their names should be surfaced and appear before the apex court."
"The political parties want to save themselves by spreading chaos in the country," Rehman added.
He maintained: "The JI was asking the opposition to not become part of this process."
PTI struggles to reach 11 lawmakers amid critical amendment vote
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing internal communication challenges as the party is unable to establish contact with 11 of its members, including two senators and 8 to 9 National Assembly members, ahead of a critical vote on the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Chairman PTI, Barrister Gauhar, confirmed communication with only two senators, but efforts to reach others, such as Senator Faisal Saleem and Dr. Zarqa Taimur Suhrawardy, have been unsuccessful. Party sources also revealed that prominent members, including Zain Qureshi, Zahoor Qureshi, Brigadier (R) Aslam Ghaman, Usman Ali, Riyaz Fathiana, Moqdad Hussain, and Chaudhry Ilyas, remain out of contact.
Long-awaited 26th Constitutional amendment secures federal cabinet approval
The federal cabinet approved the draft of the much-awaited 26th constitutional amendment Sunday.
A federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.. After this, the Constitutional Amendments will be presented in the National Assembly and the Senate.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the federal cabinet's approval of the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a crucial step for Pakistan’s development and stability.
In his address, the Prime Minister congratulated the entire nation, emphasizing that the cabinet’s decision was made in the country's broader interest, while remaining faithful to their oath of office.
"With the grace of Allah, we have now crossed another milestone of constitutional stability and the rule of law, following significant progress in the economy," said Prime Minister Shehbaz.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continue working for Pakistan’s development, prosperity, and stability.
The Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to the leaders of all coalition parties for their cooperation, specifically appreciating the efforts of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and senior leaders Rana Sanaullah and Ataullah Tarar, for their roles in this significant achievement.
Bilawal Bhutto praises Maulana Fazlur Rehman's support for Constitutional Amendment
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his gratitude to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial support in advancing the amendment process.
Bilawal stated that there are no longer any controversial points in the amendment and appreciated Maulana’s role in ensuring its smooth passage.
Bilawal Bhutto said that he contacted Maulana Fazlur Rehman via phone today to thank him for his cooperation. He remarked that Maulana’s contributions will be remembered in history, especially for instructing his senators to support the amendment by participating in the legislative process.
PPP chairman's acknowledgment of Maulana's key role signals the importance of cross-party collaboration in pushing through significant constitutional changes.
He congratulated the media on the occasion of the ‘26th Constitutional Amendment Day’.
Strict security measures in place for parliament session
Strict security arrangements have been implemented for today’s sessions of the Senate and National Assembly, with a number of restrictions on entry and media coverage.
According to a spokesman, the entry of guests into the sessions has been prohibited as part of enhanced security measures.
Only media representatives holding press gallery cards will be allowed to enter Parliament, while strict guidelines have been issued to prevent the making of video footage or mobile recordings in both the Senate and National Assembly press galleries.
The Senate Media Directorate has appealed to all parliamentary reporters to cooperate with the regulations, emphasizing the prohibition on mobile footage from the press gallery.
Similarly, the National Assembly Media Directorate has issued a directive that any media representative found making videos will have their mobile phones confiscated, in line with the Speaker's ruling.
Navigating the Labyrinth: NA number game for 26th Constitutional Amendment
The ratification of the 26th Constitutional Amendment is encountering significant challenges as a two-thirds majority, amounting to 224 votes, is required for approval in the National Assembly. Currently, the government coalition holds 215 seats, leaving them short of the necessary votes.
The Speaker of the National Assembly is not eligible to cast a vote, meaning the coalition needs to secure at least four additional votes. Although the addition of eight members from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) to the opposition alliance complicates the situation further, it highlights the current political dynamics.
The government coalition consists of 111 members from the Pakistan Muslim League (N), 70 members from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), 22 members from MQM Pakistan, and five from the Muslim League (Q), along with contributions from the Stability Pakistan Party and other smaller factions.
NA, Senate sessions to convene today; Constitutional Amendment not included in agenda
Both the National Assembly and Senate will hold meetings today, with the Senate session scheduled for 3pm and the National Assembly to convene at 6pm.
The agenda for the sessions has been released, outlining key points for discussion.
The National Assembly session will address a 9-point agenda, which includes the proposed amendment bill for the establishment of a legal aid and justice authority.
The highly anticipated 26th constitutional amendment bill is not included in the initial agenda for the National Assembly session.
However, it is expected to be presented under a supplementary agenda later during the proceedings.
National Assembly agenda
The session will begin with the traditional Tilawat, Hadith, Naat, and the national anthem, followed by the question and answer session from a separate list.
Key items on the agenda include a Calling Attention Notice submitted by Syed Naveed Qamar, Syed Rafiullah, Abdul Qadir Patel, Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, and Izbal Zehri, urging the Minister for Finance and Revenue to address public concerns regarding the alleged large-scale misappropriation in the collection of General Sales Tax.
The assembly will also focus on legislative business, with Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law and Justice, moving to consider and pass the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The amendment aims to update the existing Legal Aid and Justice Authority Act, 2020.
Further, the assembly will continue its discussion on a motion of thanks for the President's address to both houses on 18th April 2024. Matters under Rule 18, unrelated to Points of Order, may also be raised during the session.
Additionally, a second Calling Attention Notice will be presented by Ms. Sofia Saeed Shah, Ms. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada, and Syed Waseem Hussain, highlighting the urgent public issue of non-payment of pensionary benefits to retired employees of Radio Pakistan.
The session promises to address several significant concerns affecting the public and legislative matters.
JUI-F’s proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment draft surfaces
The proposed draft of the 26th constitutional amendment by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) has been made public, introducing significant changes to the appointment of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. According to the draft, the most senior judge will automatically assume the position of Chief Justice, eliminating the need for a panel of judges.
The 27-point JUI-F draft does not mention the establishment of a 12-member parliamentary committee for judicial appointments. It also removes the concept of a panel of three judges, instead stating that the senior-most judge will be appointed as Chief Justice.
Under Article 175A, the draft proposes that the Chief Justice of Pakistan will chair the Judicial Council, with three senior Supreme Court judges, the Law Minister, and the Attorney General as members. Additionally, the Supreme Judicial Council will include four members of parliament and one female or non-Muslim member.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in a media briefing yesterday, said that opposition parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have requested time until tomorrow to present their response. Afterward, the constitutional amendment will be presented in parliament for approval.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman further stated that all objections raised by the opposition regarding the government’s draft have been addressed and excluded. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari added that the opposition is keen for JUI-F to present the 26th constitutional amendment in parliament for further discussion and approval.
PTI announces boycott of Constitutional Amendment voting in Parliament
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming voting on the controversial constitutional amendment, citing the process as non-transparent. The decision was made during a meeting of PTI's Political Committee, chaired by Barrister Gauhar, where the amendment was deemed destructive for the country's future.
In its statement, PTI declared that the party will completely withdraw from the referendum process in both the Senate and the National Assembly. PTI warned that any members who violate party policy by participating in the polls will face strong internal protests, emphasizing that it will hold peaceful sit-ins against those going against party directives.
The Political Committee condemned the constitutional amendment, accusing the ruling group of cheating in the elections and seizing power undemocratically. PTI asserted that this group has no moral or constitutional authority to alter the constitution. The party stressed the importance of protecting democracy and voiced its strong opposition to the amendments since day one.
The declaration also reiterated that all members of the Senate and National Assembly elected on PTI tickets are obligated to follow the directives of PTI and party chairman Imran Khan. Any deviation from party policy will result in peaceful protests against the individuals involved.
Fazl hopes PTI will extend support for constitutional amendment
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that hopefully the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will extend support on the constitutional amendment.
Addressing the press conference flanked by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in the wee hours of Sunday, Rehman said: "Today, we get the PTI's response."
Rehman said: "I got a positive message from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, on which I express my gratitude."
"We will be able to vote during the parliament sessions. We are waiting for today over the matter," said Rehman.
"There is no major controversy over the draft," said Rehman.
Both the PPP and JUI-F had reached the consensus on the constitutional amendment. The government has agreed to withdraw the areas of the initial draws on which we had raised objections.
Fazl seeks one day
Meanwhile, Bhutto-Zardari said: "It is my desire that Fazlur Rehman himself presents the bill. I hope that Maulana Fazlur Rehmman will convince the PTI over the matter."
"Hopefully, Maulana Fazlur Rehman will agree to my request," he added.
Earlier on Saturday, it was reported that Rehman had sought one day to table the constitutional amendment.
According to details, Rehman's residence has emerged as a political hub as members of both the government and opposition converge to discuss the 26th constitutional amendment.
With unanimous approval on the horizon, law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar delivered the final draft of the amendment directly to Fazlur Rehman.
The atmosphere at the JUI-F chief's residence had been charged, with various political leaders making intermittent visits throughout the day.
Constitutional amendment: Senate, NA sessions postponed
The Senate and National Assembly sessions were postponed as the political temperature rose pertaining to the 26th constitutional amendment in the wee hours of Sunday.
It was reported that the federal cabinet meeting was postponed till Sunday's morning. But later, the reports had surfaced that it is expected that cabinet meetings will take place after some time.
Subsequently, the special meeting of the federal cabinet, spearheaded by PM Shehbaz had been started.
According to details, the approval of the constitutional amendment draft will be given. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart Rana Sanaullah had also reached the prime minister's chamber.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Chaudhry Salik Hussain had also reached the chamber.
Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal had also reached to attend the cabinet meeting.
On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar apprised the premier of the meeting held with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi returned from the chamber.
Details revealed that the NA session will be held 6:00 pm today (Sunday).
Earlier, the Senate session began in an attempt to pass the constitutional amendment. Subsequently, after the long delay, the Senate session was postponed till 3:00 pm today.
– Fazl seeks one day –
Meanwhile, it had been reported that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has sought one day to table the constitutional amendment.
According to details, Rehman's residence has emerged as a political hub as members of both the government and opposition converge to discuss the 26th constitutional amendment.
With unanimous approval on the horizon, law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar delivered the final draft of the amendment directly to Fazlur Rehman.
The atmosphere at the JUI-F chief's residence had been charged, with various political leaders making intermittent visits throughout the day.
The reports suggested that the constitutional amendment may receive approval as early as tonight.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has met with Fazlur Rehman twice, declaring after their first meeting that consensus had been reached between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and JUI on the amendment. Following this, a series of high-profile visits ensued, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who later joined discussions at the residence of PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar.
Key figures such as Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Sherry Rehman, Murtaza Wahab, and BNP Mengal chief Akhtar Mengal have also engaged with Rehman as the political landscape shifts in anticipation of the amendment's finalization.
Constitutional amndment: Fazlur Rehman seeks one-day after receiving final draft
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has sought one day to table the constitutional amendment.
According to details, Rehman's residence has emerged as a political hub as members of both the government and opposition converge to discuss the 26th constitutional amendment.
With unanimous approval on the horizon, law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar delivered the final draft of the amendment directly to Fazlur Rehman.
The atmosphere at the JUI-F chief's residence had been charged, with various political leaders making intermittent visits throughout the day.
The reports suggested that the constitutional amendment may receive approval as early as tonight.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has met with Fazlur Rehman twice, declaring after their first meeting that consensus had been reached between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and JUI on the amendment. Following this, a series of high-profile visits ensued, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who later joined discussions at the residence of PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar.
Key figures such as Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Sherry Rehman, Murtaza Wahab, and BNP Mengal chief Akhtar Mengal have also engaged with Rehman as the political landscape shifts in anticipation of the amendment's finalization.
‘Constitutional amendment will be passed at any cost,’ says Vawda
Former federal minister Faisal Vawda said on Saturday that the 26th constitutional amendment will be passed in the parliament at any cost.
Speaking to media in Islamabad, the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart said: “It takes no time to become zero from hero. They will continue to lament, and the amendment will be passed.”
He bashed the PTI leadership, saying, “All of us have seen the faces of the sell-outs. The PTI has practically accepted the incumbent government.”
“The PTI had sat with the government and demanded with the party founder,” he stated.
Vawda maintained: “These people are themselves enjoying sending the PTI founder packed.”
– Faisal Vawda scoffs at PTI for 'spreading' unrest –
Few days back, Vawda scoffed at the PTI for "spreading" unrest in the country.
Expressing his thought, Vawda took a jibe at the PTI founder, saying, "The PTI founder merely wants to rule the country. Challenging the writ of the government is equal to treason. Let's see who will win the political battle, and whose politics will end?"
Vawda continued to fire salvo at the PTI founder, saying, "The PTI founder is facing the heat as the country is getting back on track.”
“The PTI founder should refrain from playing with the poor children of the country. First of all, the PTI founder should bring his children to Pakistan," he maintained.
“Now the things are getting out of control. The PTI founder is talking about getting rid of freedom and slavery,” he stated.
“The drama of holding protests is being staged to take away the lives of the poor citizens,” Vawda said.
He slammed Khyber Pakhtunkha Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, saying, "Ali Amin Gandapur is trying to put the country's law and order situation at stake."
"The purpose of staging the protest is to take the lives of the innocent citizens. The law and constitution are being violated in the country. The judiciary should take notice of the violation of law and constitution."
"Nobody can even dare to stop Pakistan from steering towards prosperity," he said.
'Constitutional amendment to be tabled in parliament today at any cost'
The federal government decided on Saturday to table the much-awaited constitutional amendment today in the Senate and National Assembly.
Sources divulged that the government alliance and the parliament had reached consensus on the matter. It is expected that the National Assembly and Senate sessions will be held for a long time at night.
It was for the fourth time that the National Assembly session was delayed and will now be held at 9:30 pm.
Prior to this, the National Assembly session was convened at 3:00 pm but could not start.
Separately, the Senate session was also delayed for the fourth time and now had been summoned at 8:00 pm.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) stated that the draft for the constitutional amendment is prepared and awaits approval from the federal cabinet before it can be submitted to the Senate.
He stressed the need for a broader consensus, recalling that post-thirteenth amendment, it became customary for all political factions to agree on such matters.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed this sentiment, asserting that while the numbers are in favor of the amendment, reaching a collective agreement remains a priority.
Adding to the concerns, Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal), criticized the government's approach, asserting that the amendments are being pushed through in a secretive manner, devoid of robust consultation.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held discussions with delegations from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and BNP-Mengal at the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema Islam (F), indicating ongoing negotiations to build a consensus.
In a previous Senate meeting, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman highlighted the missing presence of several party members, expressing concern over the tactics employed in the discussions surrounding the constitutional amendment. Irfan Siddiqui assured him that the issues raised would be addressed.
As the political landscape remains charged, Syed Khurshid Shah, chairman of the special committee formed to deliberate on the constitutional amendment, claimed that the draft has received general approval.
However, the constant postponements raise questions about the government's ability to move forward with the proposed changes.
Despite previous announcements indicating the government's intent to introduce the constitutional amendment in the Senate ahead of the National Assembly, procedural delays have pushed this timeline further into uncertainty.
As it stands, the approval and subsequent presentation of the 26th constitutional amendment bill remain pending, with political stakeholders navigating a complex and often contentious landscape.
Key items on the National Assembly’s agenda include the presentation of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill 2024 for approval and call-attention notices regarding alleged large-scale malpractices in the collection of general sales tax.
'Sun will rise tomorrow morning with approval of constitutional amendment,' avers Talal
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Talal Chaudhry stated on Saturday that the sun will rise tomorrow morning with the approval of the constitutional amendment.
Addressing the press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry said: “Our efforts to reach consensus on the constitutional amendment have been portrayed as our weakness. This time around, the parliament has given plenty of sacrifices.”
He took a swipe at the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Chaudhry said: “The PTI leaders have caused the old uproar during their press conference. At last, the PTI leaders have done what they wanted to do.”
“The PTI had resorted to the tactics of sabotaging the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Look at the vision and mindset of the PTI leadership that they are lamenting about the facilities during the consultations,” Chaudhry maintained.
He said, “How can you stop the government from completing the number games over the constitutional amendment? No one had been kidnapped. This constitution was slated to be tabled a while ago.”
“The timing of the SC’s clarification is no right. Maybe the clarification has been issued to stop the tabling of the constitutional amendment,” Chaudhry said.
Bilawal announces 'complete' consensus with JUI on constitutional amendments
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari confirmed on Saturday that his party has reached a complete agreement with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) regarding constitutional amendments.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, he stated that the draft proposed by JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been accepted without any alterations.
Mr Bilawal also stressed that this development aims to strengthen the parliament. "We are making the parliament stronger," he remarked, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in constitutional reforms.
He reiterated that the PPP has accepted JUI's constitutional amendment draft without changing even a comma, underscoring the seriousness with which they approached the negotiations.
Read here: Mengal refuses to support 'forceful' constitutional amendments
Addressing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Bhutto urged the party to demonstrate its commitment to the constitutional amendment process.
"We want PTI to join us in discussing this amendment and not to complain later. We hope Maulana Fazlur Rehman will succeed in persuading PTI to participate," he added.
Bhutto mentioned that discussions surrounding changes to the Islamic Ideological Council were ongoing, indicating that Maulana Fazlur Rehman would be instrumental in incorporating additional elements into the Majlis Shura. He expressed optimism about PTI's involvement, noting that a consultation took place with the party's founder earlier in the day.
RELATED: PTI top guns meet Imran in Adiala Jail to discuss constitutional amendments
The PPP leader revealed that there has been continuous dialogue with Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding judicial reforms, stating, "We have reached an agreement on constitutional benches."
He stressed that the process of constitution-making is progressing successfully after extensive consultations.
Constitutional amendments: Senate and National Assembly sessions delayed for third time
The ongoing discussions regarding the 26th constitutional amendment have led to repeated schedule changes for Senate and National Assembly sessions.
The Senate session has now been rescheduled for the third time, with the latest notification from the Senate Secretariat indicating a new start time of 6:30 PM, previously set for 3:00 PM. The National Assembly will convene at 7:00 PM.
The Senate had been adjourned yesterday until 11:00 AM today, but the timing was quickly adjusted to 12:30 PM before yet another change pushed it to 3:00 PM.
This continued back-and-forth reflects the complex negotiations surrounding the proposed constitutional amendments, which have not yet garnered sufficient agreement among the parties involved.
Read here: Mengal refuses to support 'forceful' constitutional amendments
Senator Irfan Siddiqui of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) stated that the draft for the constitutional amendment is prepared and awaits approval from the federal cabinet before it can be submitted to the Senate.
He stressed the need for a broader consensus, recalling that post-thirteenth amendment, it became customary for all political factions to agree on such matters.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed this sentiment, asserting that while the numbers are in favor of the amendment, reaching a collective agreement remains a priority.
RELATED: PTI top guns meet Imran in Adiala Jail to discuss constitutional amendments
Adding to the concerns, Akhtar Mengal, leader of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal), criticized the government's approach, asserting that the amendments are being pushed through in a secretive manner, devoid of robust consultation.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held discussions with delegations from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and BNP-Mengal at the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema Islam (F), indicating ongoing negotiations to build a consensus.
In a previous Senate meeting, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman highlighted the missing presence of several party members, expressing concern over the tactics employed in the discussions surrounding the constitutional amendment. Irfan Siddiqui assured him that the issues raised would be addressed.
As the political landscape remains charged, Syed Khurshid Shah, chairman of the special committee formed to deliberate on the constitutional amendment, claimed that the draft has received general approval.
However, the constant postponements raise questions about the government's ability to move forward with the proposed changes.
Despite previous announcements indicating the government's intent to introduce the constitutional amendment in the Senate ahead of the National Assembly, procedural delays have pushed this timeline further into uncertainty.
As it stands, the approval and subsequent presentation of the 26th constitutional amendment bill remain pending, with political stakeholders navigating a complex and often contentious landscape.
Key items on the National Assembly’s agenda include the presentation of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill 2024 for approval and call-attention notices regarding alleged large-scale malpractices in the collection of general sales tax.
Also Read: Constitutional amendment: President Zardari, PM Shehbaz hold key huddle in capital
Another call-attention notice is likely to be presented regarding non-payment of pensions to retired employees of Radio Pakistan, while a discussion will also be held on the president's address to the joint session of parliament.
PTI top guns meet Imran in Adiala Jail to discuss constitutional amendments
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leaders on Saturday called on party's founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail to discuss the constitutional amendments proposed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar confirmed that the consultation with Khan was fruitful and emphasized that further discussions would follow.
RELATED: 5 PTI leaders granted permission to meet Imran Khan
He stated, "We had a meeting and consultation with the founder of PTI. After this, we will hold additional consultations to outline our next steps."
When questioned about whether Imran Khan had approved the constitutional amendment, Barrister Gohar indicated that further details would be shared in collaboration with Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
He reassured the media, saying, "Imran Khan is absolutely fine," dismissing any concerns regarding the former prime minister's health.
Akhtar Mengal refuses to support 'forceful' constitutional amendments
Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Saturday categorically rejected the proposed constitutional amendments being discussed in secrecy, asserting that he will not participate in any changes imposed by force.
After a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Islamabad, the seasoned politician expressed his concerns regarding the current political climate, stating, "We cannot negotiate with anyone until our missing members of parliament return."
He stressed that the situation is far from conducive for any form of negotiation, particularly when threats loom over political discourse.
Mr Mengal slated the government’s approach to the amendments, remarking, "Constitutional changes are being introduced in a clandestine manner, raising questions about the true authorship of these amendments."
He pointed out that after 51 years since the enactment of the 1973 Constitution, it is perplexing that sudden amendments are deemed necessary. "What kind of emergency justifies such secretive alterations?" he queried.
During a press briefing in Islamabad following the meeting, Mengal lamented the ongoing state of emergency and the government's singular focus on amending the constitution while neglecting critical issues affecting citizens. "The constitution is not a secret document; it should be transparent and accessible to every citizen," he asserted.
Mengal further criticised the current administration for attempting to conceal the content of the amendments, suggesting that the ruling class is embarrassed to disclose them to the public.
"Political parties and their workers have the right to be informed about the constitution they are governed by," he added.
Numbers for amendments ready, consensus key challenge: Khawaja Asif
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Saturday that while the numbers needed for the proposed constitutional amendment are complete, efforts to reach a consensus among political parties remain ongoing.
Speaking to journalists, Khawaja Asif stressed the importance of political agreement, stating, "It is better if we can achieve consensus on the 26th constitutional amendment. This will make it more beneficial in the future. However, even if a consensus is not reached, we still have the necessary numbers."
Responding to a question about the frequent changes to the National Assembly's schedule, the defense minister explained that the adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to foster consensus among political stakeholders.
Earlier, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui informed the press that the draft of the constitutional amendment has been completed and is pending approval from the federal cabinet. "The draft is ready.
The federal cabinet was scheduled to approve it yesterday, but the meeting was cut short. Once the cabinet gives its approval, the draft will move to the Senate," he said.
The delay in the cabinet’s approval has fueled uncertainty, with a scheduled cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ending without a final decision on the constitutional amendment. The meeting was adjourned and is expected to resume later today at 9:30 AM.
Meanwhile, efforts to build consensus within the governing coalition continue, as tensions remain high. The Senate session, originally scheduled for 12:30 PM, has been postponed to 3:00 PM, according to a notification from the Senate Secretariat.
Political leaders scramble for consensus on 26th Constitutional Amendment
Political activity surged late into the night at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence as leaders from various parties convened to discuss the approval of the 26th constitutional amendment with consensus.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held an hour-long meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman, during which the Maulana addressed concerns raised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party regarding the amendments.
Sources indicate that the JUI-F chief briefed Bilawal on the PTI’s reservations, emphasizing the importance of collective agreement in moving forward.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and senior PPP leader Naveed Qamar also met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman to further discuss the constitutional amendments and ensure all parties were on the same page. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar also met with Fazl separately, only to hold another meeting today.
Meanwhile, a five-member delegation from the PTI is scheduled to meet the party's founding chairman Imran Khan in Adiala Jail today. PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar noted that the final decision regarding the constitutional amendment draft would depend on consultations with Imran Khan.
“We will come and tell what the founder says about the constitutional amendments,” he remarked.
Constitutional Amendments: Cabinet, Senate, National Assembly to meet again today
The federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is set to meet today to discuss the critical constitutional amendments draft.
The session, originally scheduled for 9:30am, was first delayed till 12 noon and later till 1:30pm, and is expected to approve the draft of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Moreover, important sessions of the National Assembly and Senate will also be held again today with the constitutional amendments likely to be tabled in both houses for approval.
Meanwhile, the government has given the green signal to the National Assembly Secretariat for getting the amendments approved today.
According to government sources, the Legislature Department has prepared a supplementary agenda related to the introduction of the 26th amendment. This agenda will be presented in both the National Assembly and Senate for approval as soon as the government and speaker give the green signal.
The constitutional amendment is anticipated to be introduced in both legislative bodies by suspending the parliamentary rules. However, the amendment is not currently included in the agenda released for either the Senate or the National Assembly sessions.
Also Read: Parliamentary committee finally greenlights constitutional amendments draft
The Senate session, initially scheduled for 11am and then pushed to 12:30pm, will now be held at 3pm and will be chaired by Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani. The Senate's six-point agenda has been issued, but the constitutional amendment bill is still not part of it.
It is likely that a supplementary agenda will be presented to introduce the bill during the session with approval from the majority of the House.
In addition to the potential introduction of the constitutional amendments, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will present the Banking Companies Amendment Bill 2024 for Senate approval, and a motion will be moved to suspend the question-hour in the House.
Also Read: Bilawal vows to get amendments approved with two-thirds majority
The National Assembly is also set to convene today at 3pm under the chairmanship of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The Secretariat has released a nine-point agenda, which, like the Senate, does not yet include the constitutional amendment bill. However, it is possible that a supplementary agenda could be introduced later during the session.
Key items on the National Assembly’s agenda include the presentation of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill 2024 for approval and call-attention notices regarding alleged large-scale malpractices in the collection of general sales tax.
Also Read: Constitutional amendment: President Zardari, PM Shehbaz hold key huddle in capital
Another call-attention notice is likely to be presented regarding non-payment of pensions to retired employees of Radio Pakistan, while a discussion will also be held on the president's address to the joint session of parliament.
It is worth noting that the special parliamentary committee on Friday approved the draft of the constitutional amendments. According to details, the development came after efforts were made to reach a consensus on the draft among multiple parties.
Constitutional amendment: President Zardari, PM Shehbaz hold key huddle in capital
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a key huddle in Islamabad on Friday.
According to details, both the president and premier hold talks on the final draft of the constitutional amendment. PM Shehbaz had also held consultations over the amendment with the senior lawmakers.
He took the lawmakers on board over the meeting with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
The premier held a meeting with Rehman yesterday. On this occasion, he was flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Bilawal Bhutto upbeat about getting Fazlur Rehman’s support
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed on Friday optimism about getting the support of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in line with the constitutional amendment.
According to details, expressing his thoughts during the PPP’s joint parliamentary meeting with the draft of the constitutional amendment, the former foreign minister said, “We will do the legislation through our powers. It is a good thing that this will be last weekend here in Islamabad.”
“The PPP, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reached consensus on the constitutional amendment,” said Bhutto-Zardari.
He maintained: “It is the time to fulfil the incomplete promises pertaining to the charter of democracy.”
Proposed amendments authorise parliamentary body to appoint CJP
Details of the government's draft for the 26th constitutional amendments have surfaced, revealing a significant shift in the process of appointing the chief justice of Pakistan.
The proposed amendments aim to grant authority to a newly formed parliamentary committee to appoint the chief justice, replacing the current seniority condition.
According to the draft, the 12-member parliamentary committee will comprise eight members from the National Assembly and four from the Senate, ensuring adequate representation from all parliamentary parties according to their strengths. In the event of the dissolution of the National Assembly, a special committee of four senators will oversee the appointment process.
Under the new framework, the committee will review the names of the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court for consideration. The prime minister will then forward the committee's recommendation to the president for formal appointment.
Under the proposal, the parliamentary committee will finalise the nomination of the new chief justice 14 days before the retirement of the incumbent. However, only for the first time after the implementation of the amendments, the appointment will be made three days before the current chief justice retires.
Additionally, the draft introduces the creation of a Constitutional Division within the Supreme Court, which will handle constitutional matters such as suo motu cases, constitutional appeals, and presidential references. A three-member bench from this division will hear and decide such cases, marking a departure from the existing practice where any Supreme Court judge could handle constitutional issues.
The Constitutional Division will ensure equal representation of all provinces, with its composition and number of judges being determined by the Judicial Commission.
Political leadership inches closer to consensus on constitutional amendments
Top political leaders gathered at the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman late last night in a major step towards reaching a national consensus on the proposed constitutional amendments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar held a crucial meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was also present.
The meeting, which lasted for two hours, focused on resolving points of disagreement related to the proposed amendments.
According to sources, Maulana Fazlur Rehman raised concerns about the harassment of members from JUI, BNP Mengal, and PTI, urging the government to address these issues. The government assured the JUI chief that the matters would be resolved amicably.
Also Read: PTI, JUI-F agree on several key points of proposed constitutional amendments
Government sources claimed that several reservations of Maulana Fazlur Rehman have been addressed. "There is now no significant hurdle left in the way of the amendment," the sources said.
The leaders avoided speaking to the media after the meeting, but insiders suggest that further consultations are scheduled for today.
Earlier, a high-level meeting between leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing on several key points of a proposed constitutional amendment,
JUI-F head Maulana Fazlur Rahman took the PTI leaders into confidence on a joint draft for the proposed constitutional amendments. According to sources, the PTI agreed on several key points of the government's joint draft, while further discussions on the remaining points are expected in the next round of talks scheduled for today.
Also Read: Govt's proposed constitutional amendment draft allows dual citizens to contest elections
The PTI delegation, which included Omar Ayub, Asad Qaisar, Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Hamid Raza, and Senator Hamid Khan visited the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the meeting.
After the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed serious reservations about the government's behaviour during the negotiation process. He criticized the government for its alleged harassment of JUI members, including kidnappings and attempts to bribe key figures.
PTI, JUI-F agree on several key points of proposed constitutional amendments
A high-level meeting between leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing on several key points of a proposed constitutional amendment,
JUI-F head Maulana Fazlur Rahman took the PTI leaders into confidence on a joint draft for the proposed constitutional amendments. According to sources, the PTI agreed on several key points of the government's joint draft, while further discussions on the remaining points are expected in the next round of talks scheduled for today.
The PTI delegation, which included Omar Ayub, Asad Qaisar, Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Hamid Raza, and Senator Hamid Khan visited the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the meeting.
After the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed serious reservations about the government's behaviour during the negotiation process. He criticized the government for its alleged harassment of JUI members, including kidnappings and attempts to bribe key figures.
The JUI chief warned that if such tactics continue, he may halt the negotiation process entirely. "If we are bullied, we will adopt the same attitude," Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, indicating that his party might be forced to take a tough stance if the government's actions do not change.
Similarly, PTI leaders raised concerns about the harassment of their own members. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said, "If the government's attitude remains the same, we will not participate in the process of constitutional amendment."
He also confirmed that many points had been agreed upon with Maulana Fazlur Rehman and that further discussions will take place in the next meeting.
Meanwhile, the draft of the 26th constitutional amendments proposed by the government allows dual citizens to contest the elections. The draft obtained by Samaa TV comprises 24 key points and suggests major reforms to the judiciary and the electoral framework in the country.
The highlights of the amendment include the establishment of a "constitutional division" within the Supreme Court, which will oversee constitutional appeals and the hearing of cases. A three-member bench, constituted by the three senior-most judges of this division, will handle cases previously under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Also Read: Govt's proposed constitutional amendment draft allows dual citizens to contest elections
The proposed changes emphasize equitable representation of judges from all provinces, aiming for a balanced judicial structure. No Supreme Court judge will have the authority to hear suo motu cases, constitutional appeals, or presidential references independently.
The draft introduced Article 191A, declaring a healthy and sustainable environment a fundamental right. Additionally, amendments to existing articles aim to restrict judicial review of summaries submitted by the prime minister or cabinet and allow dual citizens to contest elections, provided they renounce foreign citizenship within 90 days of being elected.
The reforms had also proposed alterations to the composition and functioning of the judicial commission and the Supreme Judicial Council.
Meanwhile, the measures to ensure accountability, including performance reviews of judges, are part of the comprehensive overhaul. As these proposed changes circulate, they have ignited discussions regarding the future of judicial and electoral integrity in Pakistan.
Govt's proposed constitutional amendment draft allows dual citizens to contest elections
The draft of the 26th constitutional amendment proposed by the incumbent government allows dual citizens to contest the elections.
According to details, the government’s proposed draft of the 26th Constitutional Amendment has been obtained by TV. The draft, comprising 12 pages and 24 key points suggests major reforms to the judiciary and the electoral framework in the country.
The highlights of the amendment include the establishment of a "Constitutional Division" within the Supreme Court, which will oversee constitutional appeals and the hearing of cases.
