We have no major grievances with the government on this issue now, says JUI-F chief in joint presser with Bilawal. Maulana Fazal
Bilawal Bhutto says his party & JUI-F chief reached a 100% consensus on the proposed constitutional amendment
“We have reached consensus over legislation on judicial reforms.” Bilawal Bhutto
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has requested time until tomorrow (Sunday) to finalise its stance on the constitutional amendment. He added that after receiving their response, the bill will be presented in parliament for consensus approval.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Islamabad on Saturday, Fazlur Rehman said, “After extensive consultations, Bilawal and I are here to update you. The consensus reached on the constitutional amendment bill by PPP and JUI-F was first shared during a press conference in Karachi. We then discussed it with the leadership of PML-N in Lahore, leading to further consultations.”
He explained that the initial draft of the amendment was rejected due to concerns raised by opposition parties. “The government agreed to withdraw all the contentious sections we objected to, paving the way for consensus. At this stage, there are no major disputes between us, and most of the contentious issues have been resolved,” Fazl noted.
Fazlur Rehman emphasised that PTI had been kept in the loop throughout the process, saying, “For over a month, we have taken PTI into confidence and continued consultations with them. They were also informed of the negotiations with the government.”
Regarding PTI’s recent actions, he stated, “The draft of the constitutional amendment bill was finalised from our side, but PTI’s leadership in Islamabad requested a meeting with Imran Khan to secure his approval on the consensus. After the meeting, PTI held a press conference, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s behaviour. However, I received a message from Imran Khan, indicating a positive approach.”
Fazl added that PTI needed time to consult its senior parliamentarians and leadership. “They have asked for time until tomorrow, and we expect their response soon.”
Addressing the overall progress, the JUI-F leader remarked, “We have no major grievances with the government on this issue now. Once the schedule for parliament sessions is set, we will table the bill with consensus and inform the nation about the progress.”
Bilawal Bhutto, expressing optimism, stated, “The work done by the teams of PPP and JUI-F is before you. All political parties have endorsed the agreement on constitutional reforms. Maulana Fazlur Rehman has given all parties time until tomorrow, and I am confident that opposition parties will respond positively, as their concerns have been addressed through the amendment.”
Bilawal added, “I am hopeful that Maulana will convince them. Once the parliament convenes, I wish for the JUI-F to present the bill. Both the coalition government and opposition should support it, just as we passed the 18th Amendment with overwhelming consensus. Similarly, I hope the 26th constitutional amendment will be approved in the same manner.”
Talking to journalists following his fresh meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Bhutto said that he was in consistent contact with the latter on the matter related to constitutional amendment. “We have reached consensus over legislation on judicial reforms.”
The PPP chairman said that he wished Maulana Fazl to table the 26th constitution amendment bill in parliament as “the draft is the same as Maulana Fazlur Rehman wanted”. Responding to a question, the PPP leader expressed hope that the JUI-F could convince PTI to vote for the constitution amendment bill. “PTI can vote for the Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s draft.”
Referring to PTI’s past “political behaviour”, Bilawal said: “PTI should prove that it is a political party.” “Politics is the name of seeking consensus and reconciliation,” the PPP chairman advised the PTI.
He was of the view that PTI should have introduced judicial reforms during its tenure instead of him and added that that the government should not table the constitutional amendment bill in parliament.
To another query, the PPP chairman said: “Both the parties [PPP and JUI-F] have agreed on constitutional reforms. The joint draft was authored by the JUI-F chief.”
At the same time, Bilawal lauded the PML-N-led federal government for showing patience over the matter.
Bilawal Bhutto urged political parties to collaborate in strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of Parliament. He said the process of legislation is moving forward at a rapid pace.
He said that there is a complete consensus on the constitutional amendment between the PPP and Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that politics requires compromises and wise decision-making.
The PPP Chairman called on the PTI to behave in a constructive and serious manner to demonstrate that they are a legitimate political party, rather than merely a group of social media conspirators.
For his part, JUI-F Spokesperson Aslam Ghauri confirmed that both parties have agreed on a joint draft of the constitutional package and lauded Bilawal’s efforts in this regard. Responding to a question, he said: “We are waiting for PTI’s delegation [to discuss the draft].” All political forces, including PML-N and PTI, will soon agree on the judicial reforms, he hoped.