PTI and JUI-F Leaders Reach Agreement on Constitutional Amendments

A high-level meeting between leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) ended positively, with both parties reaching agreements on several key aspects of a proposed constitutional amendment.

Maulana Fazlur Rahman, head of JUI-F, presented a joint draft for the amendments, gaining the confidence of PTI leaders. Sources indicate that the PTI has concurred on several crucial points, with further discussions scheduled for today to address outstanding issues.

The PTI delegation included Omar Ayub, Asad Qaisar, Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Hamid Raza, and Senator Hamid Khan, who met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence.

After the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rahman voiced serious concerns regarding the government’s conduct during negotiations. He accused the government of harassment towards JUI members, including alleged kidnappings and attempts to bribe influential figures.

The JUI chief warned that if such tactics persist, he might completely withdraw from the negotiation process, stating, “If we are bullied, we will adopt the same attitude,” suggesting his party may take a more aggressive stance if the government’s behavior does not improve.

Likewise, PTI leaders expressed worries about harassment faced by their members. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasized that if the government continues its current approach, the PTI would not engage in the constitutional amendment process. He also noted that several agreements had been reached with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with more discussions to follow.

Meanwhile, the draft for the proposed 26th constitutional amendments, obtained by Samaa TV, includes provisions allowing dual citizens to run for office. It contains 24 key points suggesting significant reforms to the judiciary and electoral system. Notable highlights of the amendment include the creation of a “constitutional division” within the Supreme Court to manage constitutional appeals and hearings, handled by a three-member bench consisting of the three senior-most judges from that division.

The amendments aim for balanced representation among judges from all provinces, preventing any Supreme Court judge from unilaterally hearing suo motu cases, constitutional appeals, or presidential references.

The draft also introduces Article 191A, which recognizes a healthy and sustainable environment as a fundamental right. Additionally, it proposes changes to restrict judicial reviews of summaries submitted by the prime minister or cabinet, while allowing dual citizens to contest elections if they renounce their foreign citizenship within 90 days of being elected.

Reforms regarding the composition and operation of the judicial commission and the Supreme Judicial Council are also included, along with measures for accountability, such as performance reviews for judges. As these proposed changes circulate, they have sparked discussions about the future of judicial and electoral integrity in Pakistan.

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