Khawaja Asif accuses Fazlur Rehman of withholding support for constitutional amendments

Defence minister says situation regarding the required numbers would become clear by Monday morning

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticised Maulana Fazlur Rehman for not supporting the government’s proposed constitutional amendments. Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House on Sunday, Asif indicated that the situation regarding the required numbers for the amendments would become clear by Monday morning.

When asked about the current status, Asif expressed concerns that the necessary votes might not be secured. “It seems that we do not have the numbers. I have been present in the National Assembly since this morning, and while I cannot confirm the exact numbers, it appears that we were short, which is why the legislation has not moved forward,” he said.

Earlier, Asif had addressed the media, clarifying that the news about Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s term extension was inaccurate. He added, “Whatever is happening is for the greater good, and even if our intentions are questioned, we are working correctly. We hope that Maulana Fazlur Rehman will support us with his vote.”

Meanwhile, the Senate and National Assembly sessions, which were convened to discuss the important constitutional amendments, have been postponed until 12:30 pm on Monday.

It must be noted that the government had sought support for the constitutional amendments through meetings with Rehman. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held separate meetings with him. 

Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also met with Rehman to request his cooperation on the proposed amendments.