'Surprise' legislation in joint sitting ruled out

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar has dismissed speculations about the ruling coalition's plans to pass any constitutional amendments during a joint session of parliament.

"The government does not plan to undertake any surprise legislative measures," Tarar said on Thursday during an informal conversation with journalists at the President House. "No constitutional amendment can be made, nor can any new amendment bill be presented in a joint session," he added.

The minister clarified that private members' bills have no connection with the government, adding that there are already hundreds of bills from government members pending.

Regarding the possible extension of the tenure of the incumbent chief justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, Tarar said there is currently no such proposal under consideration.

The minister did not respond to a question about former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, who is currently facing a court martial by military authorities. Tarar said the matter does not fall within his jurisdiction.

When asked if former prime minister Imran Khan would also be tried in a military court, he said that a decision in this regard will be made by the provincial government. "If necessary, the Punjab government will decide whether to refer the case to a military court or not," he added.

On August 13, military authorities arrested Faiz Hameed on charges of corruption and misuse of power. Imran Khan later claimed that the powers that be wanted to use Hameed against him in an attempt to try him in a military court.