ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced on Thursday that seven members of the National Assembly (MNAs) from the coalition government intend to vote against proposed constitutional amendments.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan stated that the government’s numbers only appeared robust on paper, as they had failed to consult their members and were acting out of fear. He cited reliable sources regarding the dissent among the treasury benches.
Khan emphasized that these government members are determined not to vote, even if it leads to their disqualification, as they believe voting in favor of the amendments would go against their principles. He suggested that even Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari might be aware of his party’s members’ reluctance to support the amendments.
His comments came as a parliamentary special committee reconvened to discuss the government’s draft amendments. Committee chairman Khursheed Shah noted that the meeting was called at the request of PTI chief whip Aamir Dogar.
The proposed constitutional package includes the establishment of a federal constitutional court and a fixed tenure of three years for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). Previous attempts to present the amendment bill faced strong opposition from both allied and opposition members, prompting the government to initiate a consultation process.
To pass the amendments, the government requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, but sources suggest a shortfall of 13 votes in the National Assembly and nine in the Senate.
Sessions of both the Senate and National Assembly have been convened today.
Meanwhile, a federal cabinet meeting scheduled for today has been postponed, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will host a luncheon for parliamentarians.
After the committee meeting, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub spoke to reporters, highlighting the pressure tactics used against those opposing the amendments. He mentioned recent abductions of PTI members and threats faced by members of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
Senator Irfan Siddiqui expressed hope for reaching a consensus on the amendments, describing it as a day filled with positive developments. MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar confirmed his party’s support for the proposed judicial reforms, stating that dialogues were moving in a favorable direction.
On the eve of the proposed amendments, the PTI declared plans for countrywide protests on Friday.
A statement released by the opposition party confirmed their intention to resist the constitutional changes.
The political leaders including the Sharif brothers, former President Asif Ali Zardari and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, reached an agreement on judicial reforms during a meeting at the Sharif family’s residence in Lahore.
Following the discussions, Maulana Fazl announced that a consensus had been achieved on judicial reforms, with further consultations planned regarding additional proposals. He reiterated his party’s prior rejection of the initial amendment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive dialogue to safeguard the country and its Constitution.
Bilawal acknowledged Maulana Fazl’s contributions and stated that a broader consensus among three political parties had been established for constitutional supremacy and expedited justice.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the agreement on judicial reforms among the three parties, saying that the consensus on other proposed amendments is expected in the coming days.
