PPP, JUI-F agree on draft for constitutional amendments

Both parties announce they will soon meet with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to secure a broader consensus

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have reached an agreement on a draft for proposed constitutional amendments.

Both parties announced that they will soon meet with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif to secure a broader consensus on the amendments.

At a press conference held at Bilawal House in Karachi on Tuesday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman shared the details of their discussions.

The meeting was attended by key PPP figures, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Nisar Khuhro, Rashid Mahmood Soomro, Naveed Qamar, and Shazia Marri.

Rehman stated that he was at Bilawal House not just as a visitor but as a guest and that both parties had successfully agreed on a draft for the amendments.

"We will meet with Nawaz Sharif tomorrow to discuss the draft and aim for unanimous approval of the constitutional amendment," he said. He also mentioned plans to engage with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership.

Rehman stressed that he had previously rejected the initial draft and still stands by that decision, but the new draft prepared by PPP and JUI-F offers a better solution. "Our goal is to strengthen democracy and protect the constitution while empowering the parliament for the future," he added.

Bilawal expressed his gratitude to Rehman, stating that both parties have historically played a significant role in constitutional reforms. "Further consensus is needed, and tomorrow Maulana Sahib will meet Nawaz Sharif. We have also been invited to join him for dinner," Bilawal said.

He supported Rehman's suggestion of involving PTI and other parliamentary parties in discussions to ensure the amendments gain widespread support.

Bilawal acknowledged the contributions of the JUI-F chief, who had previously worked with his elders. He also remarked that while PML-N has its own approach, PPP has its own, but they aim to align on key issues.

He expressed his openness to input from lawyers, civil society, and political organisations regarding upcoming legislative changes. He emphasised his willingness to accept suggestions, noting that it is crucial to avoid the pressure experienced during the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Referring to the 18th Amendment, Bilawal recalled the challenges faced during its introduction, when a movement was initiated that placed a significant burden on the state to act as a nurturing figure.

He further highlighted that some sacrifices were made during this process, and today, the political environment is offering a clear path forward for addressing the challenges faced by the nation.