ISLAMABAD: After securing a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly through the allocation of additional reserved seats, the ruling coalition is now contemplating significant reforms, including the repeal of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and amendments to the constitution.
Previously, the governing alliance held a comfortable majority of 208 seats in the National Assembly when Shehbaz Sharif assumed the role of prime minister. However, following the allocation of 23 reserved seats by the Election Commission of Pakistan, the government’s numerical strength has surpassed the required threshold of 225 for a two-thirds majority.
With the necessary numbers secured, the ruling coalition is deliberating the abolition of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Despite Nawaz Sharif being granted relief in corruption cases, several members of the PPP and PMLN are entangled in NAB-related proceedings.
Additionally, the Bureau is pursuing cases against Imran Khan.
Moreover, the ruling coalition is also exploring constitutional amendments, particularly aimed at restoring articles 62 and 63 to their original state by nullifying amendments introduced during the Zia regime. These articles pertain to the eligibility and disqualification criteria for parliamentary members and have been instrumental in disqualifying numerous politicians from holding office.
However, the PMLN is currently not considering extending the term of the current chief justice.
Possessing a two-thirds majority in the assembly eliminates the need for the government to seek support from the opposition for major legislative initiatives. Consequently, despite potential protests from the opposition within or outside the parliament, the legislative process is expected to proceed smoothly without significant impediments.
