Lahore huddle fails to sway the Maulana

JUI-F chief says will not compromise on amendments draft

LAHORE:

The high-level huddle in Lahore between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) yielded no major breakthrough as the latter's chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, announced that he would reject any amendment draft that compromises the supremacy of the Constitution and parliament.

At the same time, he revealed that all three parties had reached a consensus limited to judicial reforms.

This meeting took place in Lahore and was hosted by PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Also in attendance were the PPP and JUI-F leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider.

Holding a press conference after hours-long meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said PPP, PML-N and his party have reached a consensus over judicial reforms. He added, however, that an agreement over other matters was yet to be reached.

He highlighted that the parties were nearing a consensus on those fronts as well, but added that such amendments in the Constitution should become a reason of reform in all field. He urged limiting the interference of institutions, as had been witnessed in the past, and to ensure the supremacy of parliament and the Constitution. Fazl said if one institution is given preference over others via these amendments, then parliament and democracy would have no meaning.

He said that in view of such concerns, JUI-F had rejected the initial draft and will reject similar ones. "If they agree to our demands, fine. If not, we will reject these amendments," he added.

He, however, did not undermine the deliberation process. Fazl stated that they have moved towards a possible consensus and, with further deliberation, be able to reach their target.

He announced that as per the plan, he would be holding a meeting with the PTI leadership to create a broader consensus.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledged the efforts of Maulana Fazlur Reham with regards to the 26th constitutional amendment and said that PML-N had joined JUI-F and PPP in reaching a consensus. He also confirmed that a consensus has been reached on judiciary reforms. He said that they will restore the Constitution in its former glory to honor the efforts of their elders.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing the media, said that there were a few points where they were yet to reach consensus, but claimed that they were nearing one. He added that the purpose of bringing this amendment is to free the Supreme Court of political, constitutional and suo moto cases. Ishaq said the true purpose of this amendment was to benefit litigants who have to fight their cases years on end. He indicated towards amendment in the CrPC, as well. The deputy PM said that consensus would be reached in a day or two.

An important development that came to the fore while the meeting was going on was the cancellation of a cabinet meeting, which also confirmed some matters were still under deliberation.

First to arrive at the dinner-cum-meeting was Maulana Fazlur Rehman, along with delegation of his party leaders which included his son Maulana Asadur Rehman and Senator Kamran Murtaza. They were received by the PML-N delegation, led by Mian Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. By 9, the PPP delegation also arrived at Nawaz Sharif's residence at Jati Umrah. The delegation led by President Asif Ali Zardari included PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, Syed Naveed Qamar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.