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

Islamabad-Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Naveed Qamar announced on Monday that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has agreed to the formation of a constitutional court, but expressed reservations about its modus operandi.

Qamar’s statement followed a crucial meeting between PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Fazl at the latter’s Islamabad residence. The meeting was attended by senior leaders from both parties, including Khursheed Shah, Jameel Soomro, and Murtaza Wahab.

According to Qamar, Bilawal and Fazl discussed the government’s proposed constitutional package and agreed to work together to address objections and finalize a consensus draft.

Key Takeaways:

1. JUI-F agrees to constitutional court formation, but differs on implementation.
2. PPP and JUI-F to work together to address objections and finalize consensus draft.
3. Bilawal-Fazl meeting follows PPP chairman’s discussion with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
4. Government requires two-thirds majority to pass constitutional amendment.

PM Shehbaz Meets Bilawal

Separately, Bilawal met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments. The premier emphasized that amending the Constitution and enacting legislation are parliament’s domain.

Government Faces Numbers Challenge

The ruling coalition needs to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass the constitutional amendment. However, it currently falls short of the required numbers in both the National Assembly (13 votes) and Senate (9 votes).

The opposition, including PTI and JUI-F, has criticized the government for secrecy surrounding the constitutional amendments. The government has postponed tabling the constitutional package indefinitely.