ISLAMABAD: The government is reportedly facing a deficit of five senators and seven National Assembly members, making it challenging to push through the desired constitutional amendments, sources claim.
“We are facing a greater numerical shortfall than before, but efforts are underway to achieve the two-thirds majority required in both houses,” a government insider stated, noting that the coming week is crucial.
Interviews with three senior government parliamentarians revealed uncertainty about securing enough support for the amendments related to the superior judiciary. Many in the government are relying on external forces rather than their own strength to achieve this goal.
One source revealed that during previous efforts, the government had more support. Several MNAs who previously pledged their backing have now withdrawn. In the Senate, the government is reportedly short by five votes, while in the National Assembly, it lacks seven members.
A significant obstacle remains Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and even Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have struggled to convince the JUI-F chief to support the government. The ruling coalition is keen to secure his backing, fearing that leaving him unchecked could drive him to align with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
A senator from the ruling party indicated that the chances of passing the amendments are fading. However, a key MP suggested that when the “state” commits to something, it often manages to make it happen.
In addition to courting Akhtar Mengal of the Balochistan National Party, Maulana Fazlur Rehman remains the top priority.
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Prior to the government’s last unsuccessful attempt to pass judiciary-related constitutional amendments, there was more optimism. Some PML-N members are now looking toward Bilawal Bhutto, who has advocated for the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court. However, Bilawal has yet to secure the backing of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who remains a central figure even after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Article 63A.
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