PM Shehbaz convenes cabinet meeting to approve constitutional amendments draft

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a federal cabinet meeting today (Sunday) to approve the draft of constitutional amendments.

These amendments will later be presented in the National Assembly.

Meanewhile, the special committee of the Parliament, chaired by Syed Khurshid Shah from the People's Party, is scheduled to convene at 2 pm today.

The committee will deliberate on proposals related to constitutional amendments and judicial reforms, with a draft on the latter expected to be presented.

The session aims to foster consensus between government and opposition members on these critical issues.

Originally planned for 10 am at the Parliament House, the meeting was rescheduled following a request from the committee for additional time to resolve key matters after their morning session.

On the committee's recommendation, the National Assembly's meeting time was also adjusted from 11:30 am to 4 pm.

The Speaker of the National Assembly approved this change in timing for today's session.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have held a meeting to discuss the current political situation and the proposed constitutional amendments.

The meeting took place in Bilawal’s chamber at the Parliament House, where Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar also joined the discussions.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz held a late-night meeting with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in what is seen as a significant political development.

According to sources, the prime minister once again invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman to join the government. Constitutional amendments were also discussed during the meeting, with Maulana Rehman asking for time to consult with his party before making a decision.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman requested the draft of the constitutional amendments, stating he would respond after consulting his party. Sources said that Maulana later declined support.

Following this, a government delegation, including Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss judicial reforms and the proposed amendments.

Earlier on Saturday night, the prime minister also hosted a dinner in honour of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and coalition parties, including MQM, BAP, National Party, and others.

During the gathering, PM Shehbaz instructed members to ensure their presence in Parliament today. Some details of the proposed constitutional amendment were shared by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

At the dinner, Ishaq Dar briefed attendees on the constitutional amendments, mentioning that a constitutional court would be established in the Supreme Court to handle public interest cases.

The attendees assured the prime minister of their support for the amendments.

In his speech, PM Shehbaz stressed that the country could no longer afford instability and called for boycotting forces that create it.

He stated that Parliament is the supreme institution of the country and that legislation should be done in the national and public interest. He urged members of Parliament to work diligently for the country’s progress.

The government claims it has a two-thirds majority, and any flaws left in the 19th Constitutional Amendment have been corrected.

The proposed amendments aim to reform the judiciary and constitutional institutions, including extending the tenure of Supreme Court judges and creating a five-member constitutional court to handle constitutional matters and reduce the burden on the Supreme Court.

A parliamentary committee will also be included in the Judicial Commission. The appointment of the Chief Justice remains undecided.

In the future, five names would be sent to the prime minister, who would then select the new Chief Justice.