PTI
ISLAMABAD: Following the passage of the 26th Amendment Bill, 2024, in the upper house of parliament, Senator Faisal Vawda criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he described as its “double standards.”
According to Vawda, although the former ruling party supported specific clauses of the amendment, it did not endorse the constitutional change as a whole.
Vawda, speaking to journalists outside Parliament House, expressed his discontent with PTI’s approach. “As the opposition, they should have voted against the amendment bill,” he stated.
“It was all carried out with PTI’s understanding and planning,” Vawda added, implying that the party’s actions behind the scenes were in contrast to its public stance.
He also criticized the current PTI leadership for contributing to party founder Imran Khan’s ongoing legal troubles. “Had Imran Khan listened to me back then, he would be in a much better position today, rather than being in jail,” Vawda remarked.
The senator further highlighted the internal strife within the party, noting, “The verbal abuse they endured from Khan is also part of history,” while expressing his openness to meet the imprisoned former prime minister “if summoned.”
Despite his criticism of PTI’s leadership, Vawda commended the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a “historic achievement” and expressing satisfaction with the number of votes it received.
He hailed the amendment as a significant milestone that would bring “progress, prosperity, and development” to Pakistan.
Vawda also hinted at future constitutional amendments, suggesting that additional changes could be introduced over time to further the country’s interests.
The coalition government succeeded in pushing the 26th Amendment Bill, 2024, through the Senate, capping the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s (CJP) tenure at three years.
The bill, which had been delayed for weeks, was tabled shortly after the federal cabinet approved the draft amendments. The Senate voted 65-4 to pass the bill, meeting the required two-thirds majority.
Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had announced that his party would not vote for the proposed constitutional amendment. “The party will abstain from voting and present its stance while sitting in parliament,” Gohar said, explaining the PTI’s decision. He also expressed appreciation for Maulana Fazl’s support in opposing the amendment.
Gohar emphasized that Imran Khan still had the final say on all party decisions and that the party leadership followed his instructions closely. “Imran Khan had instructed us to engage in more consultations since this legislation is so serious,” he stated.
However, given the lack of time for further discussions and the way the bill was processed, Gohar declared that PTI could not support the legislation. Despite this, the party had “no objections” to Maulana Fazl voting in favor of the bill.
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