ISLAMABAD: According to Barrister Gohar Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seven lawmakers from the coalition government will vote against the proposed constitutional amendments.
“Only in their records do the government’s figures appear complete,” Gohar told Geo News on Thursday. He asserted that the government was hesitant to consult with its lawmakers or answer their questions regarding the amendments.
Gohar stated he received reliable information about the seven treasury members’ intention not to vote. “The government members have declared that they will not vote, even if they face disqualification,” he said, adding that these lawmakers feel that voting in favor of the amendments would go against their conscience.
He suggested that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was likely aware that members of his own party would also not support the amendment.
Gohar’s comments followed a meeting of the Special Committee of Parliament, which reconvened to discuss the government’s proposed draft amendments. Khursheed Shah, chairman of the committee, noted that the meeting on the 26th constitutional amendment was called at the request of PTI Chief Whip Aamir Dogar.
The proposed constitutional package includes measures to establish a federal constitutional court and set a three-year tenure for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP).
Last month, the government attempted to present the bill for amending the Constitution, but it faced strong opposition from its allies and members of the opposition, prompting the administration to initiate a consultation process.
To pass the amendments, the government needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament, and sources indicate a shortfall of 13 votes in the National Assembly and nine in the Senate.
Additionally, sessions of both the Senate and National Assembly were convened on Thursday. However, a scheduled federal cabinet meeting was postponed, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a luncheon for parliamentarians.
JUI-F Disagreement
After the committee meeting, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub stated that he presented the “truths” to the committee. He alleged that coercive tactics were being employed against those opposing the constitutional amendments.
“PTI leader Zain Qureshi’s wife was abducted, Daud Shah and several MNAs and their families were kidnapped, and a raid occurred at my house. Members of JUI-F have also faced threats,” he noted, adding that JUI-F has not yet shown readiness to accept the government’s draft.
Hoping for consensus on the amendments, Senator Irfan Siddiqui described the day as one of positive news. MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar expressed his party’s support for the government’s proposed draft, stating they would cooperate on judicial reforms.
PTI’s Opposition
A day earlier, PTI announced nationwide protests planned for Friday against the proposed constitutional package. “The PTI political committee has decided to resist the constitutional amendments,” read a statement issued by the opposition party.
Key political figures, including the Sharif brothers, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, reached a consensus on judicial reforms during a late-night meeting at the Sharif family’s Jati Umra residence in Lahore.
Following these consultations on the constitutional package, Fazl, Bilawal, and Dar addressed the media. Maulana Fazl confirmed that a consensus had been reached on judicial reforms, with plans for further discussions on additional proposals.
He mentioned that he would meet with PTI leadership after returning to Islamabad to incorporate their input into the constitutional amendment. Fazl reiterated his party’s previous rejection of the initial amendment, emphasizing the need for thorough discussions on major issues to safeguard the country and the Constitution.
Bilawal thanked Maulana Fazl for his contributions, stating that while the PPP and JUI-F had already reached an agreement, three political parties were now on board for a broader consensus. “We seek the supremacy of the Constitution through constitutional courts and demand swift justice,” he added.
The PPP leader further asserted, “We will ensure that the proposed amendments are passed by both Houses of Parliament at the right time.” Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the three parties had agreed on judicial reforms, with expectations of consensus on other proposed amendments in the coming days.
