JUI-F declines to back governing coalition's amendments

A parliamentary committee will reconvene to discuss constitutional amendments on October 17.

A parliamentary special committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah to reach consensus on the draft of the constitutional amendments, that was attended by representatives from both the government and opposition parties.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam - Fazl (JUI-F) presented a proposed draft during the special committee meeting on constitutional amendments, rejecting the government's support for a constitutional court and instead suggesting the formation of a bench, a local media channel reported.

Senator Kamran Murtaza stated that the only difference between the drafts of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and JUI-F is the constitutional court versus the bench, adding that there are no objections to the remaining draft by the People's Party.

He expressed hope that both parties would soon agree on a joint draft.

In response to the government's 56-point draft, Senator Kamran Murtaza proposed 24 points, stating that there is no need for a large setup for fewer than 200 constitutional cases.

Shehryar Rahman commented that nothing is perfect, including constitutional amendments, and efforts are being made to bring transparency to the amendments, with the aim of reaching consensus.

Meanwhile, the government is striving to create consensus on JUI's amendments, and during the special parliamentary committee meeting, the ruling parties aligned on the matter of constitutional amendments.

Sources indicate that consultations are ongoing with parliamentary leaders regarding the government's 56-point draft for constitutional amendments.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman was included in the meeting via video link, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser also participated through video link.

According to sources, opposition leader Omar Ayub complained about the arrests of PTI workers during the meeting, to which Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar responded that proposals should be given regarding the constitutional amendment first, and that matter can be addressed later.

Sources also mentioned that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and Barrister Ali Zafar presented their suggestions regarding the constitutional amendments during the committee meeting.

The special parliamentary committee meeting on constitutional amendments will reconvene on October 17, with several members tasked with compiling a single draft from all parties' proposals.

A subcommittee has been formed to review the drafts related to constitutional amendments, and this subcommittee will report back to the special committee. Any member can participate in the subcommittee meetings.