— PML-N, PPP converge on govt’s constitutional package
— JUI-F sticks to its guns, shares its own draft
— PTI seeks time to consult with its jailed leader
ISLAMABAD: The government’s attempt to win over the opposition to its Constitutional Amendment package failed in the second round of meetings held in Parliament House as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) team stuck to its demands.
Under the direction of Syed Khurshid Shah of the PPP, the special parliamentary committee examined draft recommendations from the government, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F). Leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also joined the meeting through video link.
The government presented a draft of a proposed constitutional change during the meeting, while the JUI-F team brought a 24-point proposal. MQM gave their suggestions as well.
The 28-page draft of the proposed constitution makes 56 amendment recommendations. The government and opposition parties have submitted versions of their proposals, and a subcommittee has been established to examine them. After reviewing the materials, this subcommittee will make recommendations to the whole parliamentary committee.
The sub-committee includes members from various political parties, such as Naveed Qamar from the Pakistan Peoples Party, Azam Nazeer Tarar from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Barrister Gohar from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Dr Farooq Sattar from MQM, and Kamran Murtaza from the JUI-F.
The ruling coalition has reached consensus on proposed constitutional amendments, but the JUI-F has declined to support the government on the creation of a constitutional court, opting instead to form a joint draft with the PPP for a constitutional bench in the Supreme Court rather than forming a constitutional court.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to consult with its founder Imran Khan on the proposed amendments.
During the session held on Saturday, JUI-F presented its draft proposal, rejecting the government’s plan for creation of a constitutional court and instead suggesting the formation of a constitutional bench in SC.
Senator Kamran Murtaza of JUI-F stated, “The only difference between the PPP and JUI-F drafts is the concept of a constitutional court versus a bench. We propose a bench instead of establishing a separate court.” He added that aside from this, there were no major objections to the PPP’s draft and expressed hope for a joint proposal soon.
In response to the government’s 56-point proposal, Murtaza presented 24 counterpoints, arguing, “There is no need for a large setup for fewer than 200 constitutional cases.”
PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf echoed Murtaza’s optimism, noting that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman suggested drafting a joint proposal with the PPP, which would be shared soon.
“Things are moving in the right direction. Stay positive,” Ashraf remarked, adding that the October 25 deadline was unrelated to the constitutional amendment discussions.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasised that such matters move forward through dialogue. “Is there anything that cannot be resolved within constitutional limits? Solutions won’t come through criticism alone; present your suggestions too. The country is at a standstill, and decisions are being criticised,” he said.
Meanwhile, PTI’s Chairman Barrister Gohar revealed that his party had not yet presented a draft.
“We mentioned consulting with our founder yesterday, and that remains our plan,” Gohar said. PTI sources added that the party’s leader, Omar Ayub, raised concerns during the meeting about the arrests of PTI workers. In response, Law Minister Tarar advised them to focus on the constitutional amendments for now, stating that other issues could be addressed later.
The parliamentary committee is scheduled to meet again on October 14 to continue discussions on the constitutional amendments.
Key proposals
The government’s draft proposes the establishment of a federal constitutional court parallel to the Supreme Court. It also suggests three-year tenure for the chief justice of the proposed constitutional court and extends the retirement age to 68.
Under this amendment, votes cast by members of parliament against the directives of their parliamentary party would still be counted.
Proposed amendments also include changes to Article 78 of the Constitution, recommending the formation of the federal constitutional court.
Additionally, amendments to Article 175 suggest that a commission will be responsible for appointing judges to the high courts and Shariat Court, with the chief justice of the constitutional court serving as the head of this commission.
The commission will consist of the two senior-most judges of the constitutional court, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and two senior-most Supreme Court judges.
Furthermore, the amendment proposes the inclusion of the law minister, the attorney general, a senior advocate, and two members from both the National Assembly and Senate in the commission responsible for appointing judges to the constitutional court.
Unlike the current system, where Supreme Court judges are appointed by a commission headed by the chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the amendment proposes that three additional judges from the constitutional court be included instead of the Supreme Court.
