Source say all three parties are confident about “number game” in both houses to pass constitutional package; PPP, JUI-F reach Jati Umra after development consensus
Fida Hussnain Lahore
In a major breakthrough, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam -Fazl (JUI- F) ¬– all three developed consensus regarding the 26th constitutional amendment, the sources said on Wednesday.
The sources said that all three parties also discussed the “number game” for approval of the proposed constitutional package, and claimed that their numbers are also complete. The development took place at Jati Umra, the residence of PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif also hosted dinner in honor of the guests including JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his delegation. President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were also present there. Maulana Fazlur Rehman arrived at Jati Umra with the PPP delegation including President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The sources said that that Nawaz Sharif and PM Shehbaz Sharif met with senior leaders of their party, followed by over an hour of consultation with Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Later, they said, Nawaz Sharif and Fazlur Rehman held a meeting that included senior leadership from both parties, during which complete consensus was developed over the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
The sources said that the JUI leader expressed his concerns and dissatisfaction to Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif, who assured him that they would address the issues.
They said that agreement on the PPP’s proposed draft is also expected while Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s concerns were also taken into account. The meeting provided a detailed briefing on the number game in both houses of Parliament.
Besides it, there was a thorough briefing regarding consultations with MQM-P and other allied parties.
“A strategy for securing the passage of the 26th constitutional amendment through both houses of Parliament was discussed, with leaders of all like-minded parties assigned responsibilities to ensure attendance,” said the sources.
They said that a joint draft for the 26th constitutional amendment would be presented in the next National Assembly.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and other leaders were present there. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other leaders from three parties were present there.
The PPP and the JUI-F had already reached consensus on the constitutional package.
