PTI Plans Dialogue with Government on Repealing the 26th Amendment

Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Ali Zafar recently remarked that if the Asma Jahangir Group were to win the Supreme Court Bar elections, it could suggest that senior lawyers have shown acceptance of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Zafar asserted that a victory for the Asma Jahangir Group, as opposed to the Hamid Khan Group, would further complicate the ongoing lawyers’ campaign against the amendment.

He also contested PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat’s claim about the number of dissenting members, stating: “The figure of 21 may not be precise, but there were certainly enough people willing to vote, and we had information that some might support the 26th Constitutional Amendment.”

Zafar added that those casting votes in favor would face disqualification as per Article 63(A), and action would be taken. For those who did not vote, show-cause notices were issued, with possible expulsion from the party if their responses proved unsatisfactory.

In response to a question, Zafar clarified that the release of Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, “is not part of any deal.” He noted that Khan now has two remaining cases: Toshakhana and Al-Qadir. A petition is also under consideration in the Islamabad High Court for the dismissal of one of these cases.

Zafar mentioned that October saw some “baseless cases” in Lahore, for which bail is likely. He pointed out the potential issues with challenging the 26th Amendment before a bench that was established under the same amendment, as it might indicate the bench’s unconstitutionality. Zafar confirmed that discussions were underway to decide whether to contest the amendment.

On the possibility of introducing the 27th and 28th amendments, Zafar acknowledged that dialogues with the government are planned to address repealing the 26th Amendment.

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