Maulana Fazlur Rehman to back 26th Constitutional Amendment

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has assured the government that his party will support the constitutional amendment in parliament. The deadlock between the government and Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been resolved, Express News reported.

The JUI-F leader instructed his party’s senators to back the government’s bill, urging full support for the amendment in both the National Assembly and the Senate. "We will support the amendment draft that was presented after consultation with us," Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated.

Following the JUI-F chief's announcement, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that whether Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supports it or not, their aim is to complete the task today under any circumstances.

Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Bilawal expressed disappointment over PTI's reaction following the press conference held by him and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He further said, "Congratulations to everyone on the 26th Constitutional Amendment day; there is no contentious point left in this amendment."

Bilawal added that he contacted Maulana Fazlur Rehman over the phone and expressed his gratitude, saying, "No amount of thanks is enough for Maulana. His role will be remembered in history. I'm grateful that he instructed his senators to ensure their presence for the amendment."

Furthermore, the Federal Cabinet has approved the 26th Constitutional Amendment bill during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Parliament House.

During the cabinet meeting held earlier on Saturday night, the constitutional amendment bill was discussed, with Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari providing a briefing after meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on a special invitation.

Cabinet approval for constitutional or legal bills is a legal requirement, necessitating the ongoing cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, strict security arrangements have been made for today’s session of Pakistan’s National Assembly, with guest entry strictly prohibited, according to the Assembly's spokesperson.

Only media representatives holding full-session press gallery cards issued by the Directorate General of Media, National Assembly Secretariat, will be allowed to enter Parliament House, Express News reported. In a move to tighten regulations, the issuance of one-day press gallery cards has been halted.