Government Wants Consultation with All Parties Despite Having the Numbers: Bilawal Bhutto
A detailed meeting of the Parliamentary Committee was held, PPP presented its draft, and the government also presented its proposals, says Bilawal in media talk.
Government Has Shared Draft of Constitutional Amendments, Can’t Say When the Matter Will Be Resolved: Fazlur Rehman
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that even though the government has the numbers for a two-thirds majority, it still wants to consult all political parties. The Parliamentary Committee held a meeting to discuss concerns, consultations, and proposals regarding the constitutional amendment, which was attended by leaders such as Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Barrister Gohar.
While speaking to the media in Islamabad, Bilawal said that the PPP’s draft was presented in the committee, which includes a proposal related to the method of appointment of judges and input from lawyers’ organizations. The government also presented its suggestions. He shared that the draft was presented not only to the government but to all political parties, and points from the government’s discussions with lawyers were also shared. Bilawal further mentioned that opposition parties also commented on the constitutional amendment, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated his commitment to work with the PPP to prepare a joint draft. He expressed hope for meaningful dialogue with opposition parties and emphasized the government’s commitment as well.
When journalists asked Bilawal if, after detailed meetings with figures like Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, he managed to convince the parties, and what would happen if consensus wasn’t achieved—could the government move forward with the amendment based on its majority—Bilawal responded by acknowledging the question’s importance. He thanked the government for giving them ample time since September and for insisting on consensus among all political parties. However, he also pointed out that if full consensus isn’t achieved, how long can the government wait? So far, only the PPP’s full draft has been shared, while JUI-F’s draft is still pending.
He clarified that the PPP’s draft was sent to Kamran Murtaza two weeks ago. There was an agreement to delay legislation until after the SCO summit, but Bilawal questioned how long he could continue with just the PPP’s draft. If consensus isn’t reached, the government has the authority to introduce a constitutional amendment even before the 25th. He stressed the PPP’s efforts to engage with all political parties, including the PTI, and their desire for politicians and the parliament to reclaim their space.
The PPP’s draft includes amendments to Article 175A, proposing the establishment of a constitutional court, with changes suggested for Articles 175A, B, D, E, and F. The draft suggests that there should be one constitutional court at the federal level and one in each province, and that these courts would hear appeals from high and lower courts. It also outlines the procedure for appointing judges to the federal constitutional court and suggests establishing a Constitutional Commission of Pakistan for the appointment of judges. More than 20 amendments have been proposed in the draft, including an additional amendment to Article 175AA, and the creation of the federal constitutional court under the amendment.
Bilawal further noted that the government shared insights from its consultations with lawyer organizations, and his efforts will focus on presenting a joint draft to the government. He reiterated his commitment to engaging all political parties and presenting a collective proposal. The law minister also presented suggestions from the lawyer community, and government proposals were discussed in the committee. Maulana Fazlur Rehman reaffirmed his commitment to including the PPP in the drafting process, and Bilawal echoed the sentiment that all parties should be involved. The law minister confirmed that the government has the required numbers but is still striving for a joint amendment with other parties. Bilawal acknowledged that while the government is confident in its majority, their effort to bring a collective draft is commendable. He questioned how long the government could wait for a joint draft and noted that while they had achieved legislative amendments through consensus before, the government’s position also holds weight. He emphasized that the PPP has always worked for the public’s welfare and service, and he hoped for discussions about the creation of South Punjab province. He confirmed that the amendment would not be introduced before the SCO summit and criticized PTI for seeking time for consultations on unilateral amendments while simultaneously issuing threats. He urged the PTI to take a clear stance.
There should be no haste; the 18th Amendment took nine months: JUI-F
There should be no haste; the 18th Amendment took nine months: JUI-F Leader in Media Talk
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed that the government has, for the first time, shared its draft of the constitutional amendments. Speaking to the media after the special parliamentary committee meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that discussions with the government have begun, and it remains to be seen how far they will go. He added that the PPP’s proposals have also been presented, and there will be discussions between PPP and JUI-F to seek consensus. They also plan to share their draft with PTI to reach an agreement.
In response to a question, Fazlur Rehman said it is difficult to predict when the matter will be resolved. He stressed that there is an agreement to seek consensus on the amendments, and they want to achieve that consensus. He cautioned against rushing the process, reminding everyone that it took nine months to pass the 18th Amendment. He criticized those demanding that the matter be resolved in nine hours or nine days, saying it’s not reasonable.
When asked about the government’s potential ban on PTM (Pashtun Tahafuz Movement), Maulana Fazlur Rehman said he is not in favor of banning any non-violent organization. He announced that the JUI-F, as a representative of the Pashtun community, would participate in the Pashtun national Jirga. He reaffirmed the JUI-F’s commitment to provincial and national rights and opposition to ethnic violence.