PPP, JUI-F agree on draft of 26th amendment

NA, Senate sessions called to table legislation

KARACHI:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that an agreement has been reached between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and his party on the draft of the constitutional amendment. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday, alongside PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said that he would meet with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in Islamabad on Wednesday on the proposed amendments.

He expressed hope that a consensus would be reached on this bill to ensure that the constitutional amendment is passed unanimously. He thanked Bilawal Bhutto for his role in reaching this agreement. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto said that whenever successful constitution-making has occurred in the country, the PPP and JUI-F have played a role. "We have been invited to a meal in Raiwind on Wednesday. Our effort will be to ensure that the consensus reached today is extended to include the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), JUI-F, and PPP."

He stated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman wishes for a consensus among all parties regarding the constitutional amendment, and if this happens, it would be beneficial for the country. "The purpose of the constitutional amendment for all of us is to solve the public's problems."

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hoped that the last bill passed by the assembly would be approved with consensus. He mentioned that they would try to achieve further agreement with Mian Nawaz Sharif.

In response to a question, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that he had rejected the first draft of the constitutional amendment, and still does.

He added that the suggestions compiled by the JUI-F were discussed, and the PPP had also prepared a draft similar to their proposal. "Today, consensus has reduced the differences, and we expect the same from the PML-N; that they will protect the constitution and strengthen democracy in the country. The Maulana emphasised that he has always stood by Pakistan and its Constitution, and will continue to do so.

The JUI-F chief noted that the proposals he had presented to PTI were not significantly different from the suggestions agreed upon. He hoped that a consensus would be reached on the constitutional amendment in the entire assembly.

Bilawal Bhutto added that if PTI is interested in the constitutional amendment, they would like Maulana Fazlur Rehman to lead the dialogue with the former ruling party. The JUI-F chief added that if they have succeeded in removing all elements from the draft that weaken the country, the Constitution, and the parliament, then it is a success.

The PPP chairman said he did not want to set any date regarding the constitutional amendment, but PTI was becoming an obstacle in this process instead of engaging in positive politics. Bilawal Bhutto mentioned that they do not want to repeat the mistakes made during the 19th Amendment when their elders were pressured under the threat of black robes and the black coat.

 

NA, Senate sessions called

The government, on Tuesday, summoned National Assembly and Senate sessions for Thursday (tomorrow) evening in which the 26th constitutional amendment bill could be tabled, and coalition parties have asked their parliamentarians to reach the federal capital immediately.

The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry has sent a summary to the prime minister to convene the National Assembly session at 4pm on Thursday, October 17. According to the summary, the Senate session would also be held on the same day at 3pm. Later, the summary would be sent to the president for final approval.

In the meantime, a meeting of the Special Parliamentary Committee on constitutional amendments has been convened at Parliament House on Wednesday (today) at 4pm. The committee would finalise its recommendations for the bill.

Chaired by senior parliamentarian and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Khursheed Shah, the committee would hold the final round of consultations on the draft 26th amendment bill. However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said it would not attend the meeting.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said his party had not boycotted the committee meeting, but would not attend the deliberations because its members of the committee would not be available in the federal capital at the time.

Meanwhile, the ruling coalition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP have directed their members of the National Assembly, as well as the Senate, to ensure their presence in their respective houses during the session.

Lawmakers who are abroad have also been asked by the parties to immediately cut short their trips, and reach the country to attend the important sessions on October 17.