Govt claims support for constitutional amendments after high-profile dinners

Sources indicate that the government now has backing of 224 lawmakers

ISLAMABAD:

The PML-N led government has claimed to secure the necessary numbers to pass major constitutional amendments, with key support from political leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The announcement was made after a high-profile dinners hosted by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where coalition partners discussed the proposed changes.

According to Express News, the dinner brought together senior political figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, MQM Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan. During the gathering, the coalition partners agreed to present the amendments in both the Senate and National Assembly.

Prime Minister Sharif briefed members of the coalition and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on the details of the amendments and urged them to remain in Islamabad for the upcoming sessions. He expressed regret over recent political developments, saying, "What transpired at the PTI rally is deeply unfortunate."

Participants reportedly assured the prime minister of their full support, with sources indicating that the government now has 224 members backing the amendments.

Prime Minister Sharif thanked the coalition members for their cooperation, noting that the inflation rate had dropped to 9.6% in August, a sign of improving economic conditions. "Our efforts to stabilise the economy are starting to show results," he said, adding that further reductions in inflation were expected in September.

Sharif also highlighted the importance of reducing government expenditure and implementing economic reforms. "We have begun downsizing and right-sizing the government," he said. "Political stability and continuity of policies are essential for Pakistan's progress."

The prime minister reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens, stating that the government's economic reforms are starting to bring relief to the public. He also condemned the use of "offensive language" at PTI’s rally, calling for unity to overcome the country's challenges.

Meanwhile, President Zardari hosted another dinner at the Presidential Palace, emphasising the need for political unity to address Pakistan's political, economic, and security challenges. He stressed the importance of strengthening parliamentary democracy and promoting tolerance and mutual respect.

“Pakistan needs political unity to overcome the crises it faces," said President Zardari, adding that the politics of confrontation is damaging the nation. He also urged reforms to improve governance and deliver better public services.

The coalition parliamentarians praised the president's leadership and acknowledged his efforts to create consensus on national issues.