Fazl sees parties inching closer to consensus

TANDO ALLAHYAR:

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said significant consensus has been reached among political parties on the proposed 26 Constitutional Amendments through discussions and negotiations and that the ruling coalition is likely to incorporate the suggestions made by the JUI-F.

"The primary role of parliament is to amend the Constitution and laws, but constitutional amendments often lead to disagreements," Fazl said on Monday while speaking to the media during his visit to Sindh.

"Legislation should be made in accordance with the country's circumstances and needs, and everything must be done in the interest of the nation and the people," he added.

Fazl, whose JUI can play a key role in the passage of the amendment bill, said the JUI-F had raised objections to the government's draft because it undermined the judiciary and the rights of the people.

However, the points that the JUI-F had rejected were withdrawn, and that he was hopeful that the party's demands would be accepted.

"The 18th Constitutional Amendment had also taken nine months to finalize, so it is only reasonable that political parties be given enough time to thoroughly review the points of the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment."

The JUI-F chief said he had requested the PTI to postpone all forms of protests until after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for October 15-16. "Protests have been held before, but they produced no results. I hope that our request will be taken seriously."

Earlier, it was reported that consensus was also reached between the PPP and the MQM regarding the constitutional amendments. Both parties agreed on moving forward "transparently" on this matter.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also stated that there is agreement not only among political parties but also within civil society on the establishment of a constitutional court.