PTI, JUI-F throw spanner in the works as tweaks deferred for a day

Cabinet, parliament session convened today

PAKISTAN:

ISLAMABAD

After a whirlwind day of political manoeuvring, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have once again managed to push the government to postpone the much-anticipated 26th constitution amendment by "a day" as both the houses of parliament faced ongoing delays and ultimately adjourned.

As the clock struck midnight, it became clear that the Senate session would convene at 3pm today, followed by the National Assembly session at 6pm.

The cabinet convened for a late-night session to review the draft and kick off deliberations on the amendments, as the political arena buzzed with last-ditch efforts to forge a final consensus.

The cabinet meeting, originally set for 9:30am experienced four delays before the government decided to reconvene at 2:30 am today, following members' requests for additional time.

After extensive consultations with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari dashed to the cabinet session to fill his fellow ruling coalition partners in on the JUI-F chief's decision to ask for a little more time to mull over the PTI's request.

Once the cabinet meeting finally wrapped up in the early hours of Sunday, Law Minister Attaullah Nazeer Tarar revealed to the media that Sunday's cabinet meeting would review a slightly amended draft that had received prior approval from the NA's special committee on Friday.

Moreover, he indicated that the decision on whether this bill will be presented officially or by allied parties remains pending, with Fazl expressing his intent to present it in the assembly.

He said that all parliamentary parties, along with their leaders and legal representatives, had been consulted within a special committee focused on constitutional amendments, achieving significant consensus.

Addressing questions about the appointment process for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), the law minister explained that if the amendment regarding the appointment was approved in today's meeting, it would be implemented accordingly; otherwise, the existing process would be followed.

"The draft was thoroughly discussed," he stressed, highlighting that the document has taken shape following extensive consultations.

He confirmed that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his legal team held discussions with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, first in Karachi and later in Lahore, to incorporate Maulana's proposals into the draft.

The cabinet members have been informed of the draft agreed upon by the special committee, and they have until 2:30pm today to formulate their opinions on the proposed changes, which aim to enhance the draft approved the previous day.

"Consultations have been ongoing for the past four weeks within the 19-member committee, which has now finalized the draft of constitutional amendments."

The law minister reiterated that all aspects of the committee-approved draft have been presented, and points raised by allied parties have been duly considered.

In addition, timelines have been established for forming constitutional benches, reviewing judges' performance, and ensuring transparency in the accountability process.

The law minister further said that provisions for the establishment of two secretariats within the Constitution have also been included, underscoring the government's commitment to a comprehensive reform.

He also highlighted the workload of the registrar's office in data recording and noted that there is currently no separate arrangement for the accountability of judges under Article 209; this task is managed by the Supreme Court staff, which often leads to delays in decisions.

 

'No major sticking point left'

 

Meanwhile, a cautious yet strong sense of optimism surfaced after an intense consultative meeting between Fazl, who remains the linchpin in the ongoing negotiations, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

Declaring that there were no major controversial amendments left on the table, the JUI-F chief confirmed that he was still awaiting a final response from the PTI, following the latter's request for an extra day to finalise its position on the constitutional amendments.

"It's only natural for PTI to confer with their parliamentarians on such a critical issue," Maulana remarked, stating that a final answer was expected by Sunday (today).

He further noted that the JUI-F would hold back its vote until PTI gave the green light.

The fate of the amendments now rests on PTI's awaited decision, leaving both government and opposition leaders on tenterhooks as the process inches towards completion.

Addressing the media after the talks, Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced that there were no major controversial amendments left on the table.

He said that PTI had been thoroughly engaged in the discussions, and the government had dropped any objections raised during the process.

However, despite these developments, Maulana clarified that PTI would not throw its weight behind it just yet, as they had requested an additional day for internal consultations.

"After extensive consultations, Bilawal and I are here to update you. The consensus reached on the constitutional amendment bill by PPP and JUI-F was first shared during a press conference in Karachi. We then discussed it with the leadership of PML-N in Lahore, leading to further consultations."

He explained that the initial draft of the amendment was rejected due to concerns raised by opposition parties. "The government agreed to withdraw all the contentious sections we objected to, paving the way for consensus. At this stage, there are no major disputes between us, and most of the contentious issues have been resolved," Fazl noted.

Fazlur Rehman emphasised that PTI had been kept in the loop throughout the process, saying, "For over a month, we have taken PTI into confidence and continued consultations with them. They were also informed of the negotiations with the government."

Regarding PTI's recent actions, he stated, "The draft of the constitutional amendment bill was finalised from our side, but PTI's leadership in Islamabad requested a meeting with Imran Khan to secure his approval on the consensus. After the meeting, PTI held a press conference, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's behaviour. However, I received a message from Imran Khan, indicating a positive approach."

He thanked the PTI who has been thoroughly engaged in the discussions. "It's only natural for PTI to confer with their parliamentarians on such a critical issue," Maulana remarked, stating that a final answer was expected by Sunday (today).

Therefore, the JUI-F would likely hold back its vote until PTI gave the green light.

Earlier, Maulana's residence remained abuzz with activity throughout the day as both opposition and government leaders convened to hammer out the final draft of the constitutional amendments.

Bilawal, in his comments, extended gratitude to the JUI-F for their tireless consultations with the PPP, noting that all political parties had rallied behind the core content of the proposed amendments.

"We are seeking a political consensus on this matter, similar to the one achieved for the 18th Amendment," he said, underscoring the importance of unity.

Bilawal Bhutto, expressing optimism, stated, "The work done by the teams of PPP and JUI-F is before you. All political parties have endorsed the agreement on constitutional reforms. Maulana Fazlur Rehman has given all parties time until tomorrow, and I am confident that opposition parties will respond positively, as their concerns have been addressed through the amendment."

Bilawal added, "I am hopeful that Maulana will convince them. Once the parliament convenes, I wish for the JUI-F to present the bill. Both the coalition government and opposition should support it, just as we passed the 18th Amendment with overwhelming consensus. Similarly, I hope the 26th constitutional amendment will be approved in the same manner."