NA, Senate sessions delayed as govt battles for support on constitutional amendment

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly and Senate sessions could not be convened on scheduled time as government and allied parties engaged in a flurry of meetings to arrange the magic numbers to pass the closely guarded ‘constitutional package’.

The government is making last-ditched efforts to get the assent of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose support is seen as crucial for the package’s success in both houses of parliament.

The special parliamentary committee’s meeting has been adjourned until 8:30 pm today.

The meeting, chaired by Khurshid Shah, saw the participation of opposition leader Omar Ayub and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. Following the in-camera session, Barrister Gohar talked to the media, expressing frustration over the government’s handling of the legislative process.

Gohar criticized the government for keeping the ‘constitutional package’ shrouded in secrecy, saying, “There is an amendment being done in the darkness of night, and the government still hasn’t shared the bill with us.” He also accused the government of attempting to weaken the judiciary, while noting that no formal announcement had been made regarding a vote on the bill.

Highlighting the opposition’s concerns, Gohar added that none of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s suggestions had been incorporated. “We have only listened; we have not given any recommendations. The meeting is about to begin, but no one has the bill,” he remarked.

Barrister Gohar also disclosed that PTI had issued instructions to its members of parliament (MPs) regarding the vote on September 2, submitting a complete file of these directives to the Speaker’s office. However, he raised alarm over two PTI lawmakers who have reportedly gone missing, stating that the special committee has been informed about their disappearance.

Cabinet and Assembly Sessions Face Delays

The federal cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for 3 pm, has yet to commence. Similarly, the National Assembly session, originally set for 11:30 am, was delayed to 4 pm but has still not begun.

Meanwhile, the Senate session, which was expected to take place at 7 pm on Sunday has now been rescheduled for 10 pm. Senate offices will remain open until the end of the session to accommodate the extended timeline, said an announcement.

In another development, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, opposition leader Omar Ayub, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza paid a visit to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence, signaling the ongoing efforts to negotiate political support.

Pre-Session Developments

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held crucial meetings with his elder brother and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif prior to the parliamentary sessions.

Additionally, key government officials engaged in discussions with political leaders, including. Meetings with MQM-P leaders and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also took place.

Government’s Confidence and Opposition Concerns

PML-N leader Khawaja Asif expressed confidence that the government would secure the 224 votes needed to pass the amendment, hoping that Maulana Fazlur Rehman would support the amendment. Asif dismissed suggestions that the amendment aims to extend the tenure of CJP Qazi Faez Isa, stating that any judicial reforms will be comprehensive rather than individual-focused.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar echoed these sentiments, saying that the proposed legislation is not designed to benefit any individual but aims to serve the greater good. He announced that a cabinet session would be convened soon to discuss the matter further.

Meanwhile, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bokhari has instructed party members in both the Senate and National Assembly to attend the sessions and vote according to party directives.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan National Party has set conditions for supporting the proposed constitutional amendment. Government officials, including Ishaq Dar, contacted the party to secure its backing on the proposed amentment.

Sajid Tareen advocate confirmed that apart from Sardar Akhtar Mengal, other government representatives, have also reached out to him regarding the amendment.

Senator Jan Buledi said that the National Party has been consulted about the proposed constitutional amendment.

Senator Buledi affirmed that the National Party will support the constitutional amendment, particularly those related to the establishment of a constitutional court.

The government’s proposed constitutional amenment has sought amendments to over 20 clauses, notably Articles 51, 63, 175, and 187.

Among the key amendments is a proposal to increase the seats in the Balochistan Assembly, raising its seats from 65 to 81.

An amendment to Article 63 has been proposed which will allow dissident members to exercise their right to vote. Article 63 will specifically be amended to grant the voting right to dissident members. Article 63 deals with disqualifications for membership in the Parliament, including voting behaviour, dual nationality, and other misconduct. The proposed amendment will allow dissident members to vote without facing disqualification.

Additionally, under the proposed amendement, appeals on decisions made by the Constitutional Court will now be heard by the same court. Article 181 is also likely to be amended, which currently relates to the temporary appointment of high court judges to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court.