Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui emphasized that constitutional amendments cannot move forward without the backing of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F). His remarks followed Maulana Fazl’s outright rejection of the proposed constitutional package, which aims to reform the country’s judicial and parliamentary systems.
During an interview on Geo News’ Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Siddiqui clarified that Maulana Fazl raised no objections to the concept of a constitutional court or the judge appointment process. However, the JUI-F chief did not specify his reservations, leaving the amendments in limbo. According to Siddiqui, Fazl stressed the need for a careful and thorough approach to the process, rather than rushing it through.
Siddiqui also pointed out the absence of the necessary votes to advance the amendments, expressing hope that Fazl’s support could make up the numbers. However, this expectation has yet to be realized, and no date has been set for presenting the amendments, which could potentially happen in September or October.
The proposed amendments, which reportedly include extending the tenure of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and increasing judges’ retirement age, have faced significant hurdles. Despite efforts by the PML-N and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to win Fazl’s approval, they have been unsuccessful so far.
The ruling coalition, which needs 13 more votes in the National Assembly and nine in the Senate, has indefinitely postponed the move to introduce the amendments. This postponement comes amid speculation about the potential extension of CJP Isa’s term, with a previous request by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for early notification of the next chief justice.
Meanwhile, Fazl has aligned with PTI in rejecting the proposed amendments, following a meeting in Islamabad today where PTI leaders and former president Arif Alvi were also present.
