Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Meets Maulana Fazlur Rehman to Discuss Constitutional Amendments

PPP lawmaker Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday as part of the ruling coalition’s ongoing efforts to build consensus on proposed constitutional amendments. The push for these amendments has created significant political pressure and uncertainty since last weekend.

The federal government has recently postponed its plans for constitutional changes due to challenges in gathering sufficient support. As a result, sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate have been indefinitely delayed.

The proposed “26th Constitutional Amendment” seeks to establish a fixed three-year term for the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Although the legislation was initially planned for introduction in both houses of parliament on Monday, the government failed to present it due to difficulties in securing the necessary backing.

Details of the proposed amendment, which had been largely confidential, were shared during a special parliamentary committee meeting held on Sunday night. The session was intended to garner opposition support, but the attempts met with disappointment from opposition members.

“Fazl Supports Constitutional Court, But Disagrees on Implementation: PPP

The PTI has voiced concerns over the lack of a draft presented during the three-hour meeting, claiming the government has made “all possible efforts” to prevent the introduction of the amendment package.

JUI-F votes in Parliament are crucial for the treasury benches in both houses of Parliament as sources within the government has claimed that it has ensured two votes from the opposition.

JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman welcomed a delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at his residence. The delegation, as reported by a JUI-F spokesperson, included prominent figures such as Syed Khursheed Shah, Naveed Qamar, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.

The meeting saw the participation of JUI-F officials including Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, Maulana Abdul Waseh, Maulana Asad Mahmood, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Mir Usman Badini, and Maulana Misbahuddin.

Before this discussion with Fazl, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had a significant conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, updating him on his earlier meeting with the JUI-F chief.

Following the meeting, PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah addressed the media, highlighting the strong personal rapport between the PPP and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Shah emphasized that any forthcoming legislation would be crafted in accordance with legal requirements.

PPP Chief Cautions Against Tit-for-Tat Politics: ‘Same Jail Awaits Us All’

Shah stated that they inquired if the JUI-F chairman had any proposals and expressed their willingness to work together to present a bill in Parliament. He reiterated the party’s commitment to legislating in accordance with the law and Constitution.

Syed Khursheed Shah emphasized that Parliament holds the exclusive authority to legislate, asserting, “No one can strip us of this right. Any proposed bill will fully comply with the Constitution.”

PPP leader Naveed Qamar added that the party is committed to pursuing amendments through broad consultation. He highlighted that the recent meeting was intended to further dialogue, with the goal of reaching a national consensus on the proposed changes.

Qamar noted that the special committee had achieved agreement on addressing the contentious aspects of the constitutional amendment. He described the discussions as “positive” and expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue would lead to a unified national approach. While Maulana Fazlur Rehman supported this collaborative approach, he voiced concerns about the procedures of the constitutional court.

Follow us on our social media platforms here: Twitter  WHATSAPP CHANNEL FACEBOOK PAGE