'Constitutional bill in line with COD'

Opposition in Senate demands transparency in legislation

ISLAMABAD:

Opposition members in the Senate on Saturday demanded that the government lift the veil on its legislative plans, calling for transparency in the ongoing process.

Shibli Faraz, the leader of the opposition, urged that any constitutional amendments be laid on the table for debate.

In a session chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, he pointed out that there was a talk about amendments being passed behind closed doors.

He urged that if any legislation was being made, it should be brought out into the open for everyone to see.

Meanwhile, Leader of the House Senator Ishaq Dar shed some light on the government's intentions, revealing efforts to resolve issues left hanging by the 18th Amendment.

He added, "As the opposition leader said, if we have the numbers, only then will we move forward."

Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz voiced frustration, saying that bills were being shoved down the throats without proper scrutiny.

"The bills are not even sent to the relevant committees. If the government is bringing legislation for the national interest, they should loop us in; otherwise, it seems tailored for a privileged few."

Faraz stressed that the government's secretive approach had already muddied the waters.

He further cautioned there was a storm brewing over constitutional amendments being introduced behind the scenes. "The government has already made the process controversial."

He lamented that the PPP had strayed from democratic values and Bhutto's ideology, engaging instead in "politics of convenience"

Faraz painted a bleak picture of the nation's current state, warning that the country was walking a tightrope of uncertainty.

He added, "Balochistan is struggling due to law-and-order issues, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism."

Faraz urged the government to come clean about its legislative agenda, saying, "If you're legislating for the country's betterment, show us your cards."

Meanwhile, Faraz also condemned the criticism directed at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, asserting that the people of the province stand behind him. He defended the media, calling journalists "honest and hardworking" and apologised for Gandapur's remarks about certain reporters.

Leader of the House, Senator Ishaq Dar, touched upon the importance of restoring Parliament's dignity, noting that Senate members should be part of special committees.

He criticised the previous PTI government, saying, "During PTI's tenure, they bulldozed 22 amendments in just 30 minutes. We must not throw principles to the wind."

Dar reiterated the government's intention to push through constitutional reforms, remarking, "What couldn't be done during the 18th Amendment, we are now striving to address."

He also expressed concerns over the Supreme Court's ruling on party-line voting, calling it "unprecedented".

"If you vote against party lines, not only will your vote not be counted, but you'll lose your seat. What kind of law is that?" Dar questioned.

He noted that Article 63(A) already prescribes disqualification, but the interpretation had muddied the waters, leaving members in legal limbo.

Dar further highlighted delays in the judicial system, lamenting, "There are petitions filed 11 years ago that haven't even been heard, yet people have served their sentences and returned home. Is this what justice looks like in our country?"

Dar apprised the upper house that the constitutional bill was in line with the provisions of the Charter of Democracy (COD) endorsed by all the political parties including the PTI.

He underlined that there was a disconnect between the leader of the opposition's party leadership in the Senate and the National Assembly.

"It was the third in-camera meeting of the Special Parliamentary Committee in the Parliament which was participated by Chairman PTI, Barrister Gohar Ali and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan who was absent in the previous two meetings. There has been discussion on different agenda items," he said. He added that the opposition leader should seek details from his colleagues on the special committee meetings.

Senator Dar informed the House that the issue emerged after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made a statement for joint efforts to restore the prestige of the parliament and proposed a committee of all political parties on the arrest of some members of the lower house of the Parliament.

"I on behalf of the government instantly endorsed the suggestion and after the House resolution, a committee was formed and all political parties in the National Assembly have their representation," he said.

"I would request that committee to give representation to the Senate as it's a special body on general issues and the resolution TORs entitled matters pertaining to the parliament, parliamentarians, constitutions and rules and business of procedures," the Leader of the House added.

The issues pertaining to the constitutional bill have been discussed in the special committee, the opposition leader should get details from his colleagues, he said, adding, "Under the Charter of Democracy, article four demanded a constitutional court in the country to hear constitutional petitions and dispose of them."