Fazl says we have no major grievances with govt on this issue now; Sessions of National Assembly and Senate postponed till 3pm
After a series of meetings at Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence in Islamabad and delayed starts of the National Assembly and Senate sessions, the constitutional amendments could not be presented in the parliament as the matter is deferred to Sunday.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence remained the centre of attention throughout Saturday as it was visited by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, heads of different political parties including Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and Balochistan National Party head Akhtar Mengal.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a crucial federal cabinet to discuss the draft of 26th constitutional amendment late Saturday night after holding several rounds of talks with the allies and the opposition party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F.
Speaking at a joint press conference with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Islamabad on Saturday Maulana Fazlur Rehman, stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has requested time until today (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.
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.”
The National Assembly sitting that was started after hours-long delay lasted for a few minutes while the Senate session commenced after a delay of around three hours from its scheduled time amid the absence of the government’s some lawmakers.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf expressed concerns that two of its senators may vote in favour of constitutional amendments against the party’s policy.
In a statement issued here, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan said that it was learnt that the party’s two senators Zarqa Taimur and Faisal Saleem would vote against the party policy.
“I think our two senators Zarqa Taimur and Faisal Salim are going to vote against the party policy,” Barrister Gohar Ali said.
The National Assembly session was held after the delay of many hours from its actual time. Now it will take place on Sunday at 3pm to take up 26th constitutional amendment package.
Saturday’s session took place under NA Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah.
The important session was first scheduled to be held at 7pm, but it was delayed till 9pm. Later, it was held on late Saturday night and abruptly adjourned for Sunday.
