BNP-M Leader Alleges Pressure on Senators to Support ‘Constitutional Package’
Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), has accused the government of exerting pressure on two of his party’s senators to support a controversial “constitutional package.” This package, which includes a proposal to fix the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s (CJP) tenure at three years, is poised to be introduced in Parliament today.
Mengal claims that the government is resorting to coercion, alleging that the homes of Senators Muhammad Qasim and Nasima Ehsaan have been targeted. He reported that Qasim’s residence has been raided, with intelligence agencies patrolling the area, while Ehsaan’s family faces undue pressure and threats of property confiscation.
The BNP-M chief criticized the government’s approach, accusing it of either keeping the public in the dark about the amendment or using force to ensure its passage. Mengal’s remarks come as opposition parties, including PTI, BNP-M, and JUI-F, have warned their members against supporting the package, threatening potential removal from Parliament.
PTI Challenges Legality of Constitutional Package
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has contested the legality of the constitutional package, arguing that it was not approved by the cabinet as required by law. He pointed out that, according to Rules 16 and 27 of the Rules of Business, the bill must first be presented to the cabinet and then approved by the Prime Minister before being introduced to Parliament. Without these steps, Khan contends that the bill is illegal.
In support of his argument, Khan lamented that the opposition’s calls for transparent legislation are being ignored.
Allegations of Coercion and Defection
Earlier this week, PTI’s Asad Qaiser accused the government of bullying its opponents into supporting the legislative package. Qaiser, who previously served as NA Speaker, alleged that PTI lawmakers are being coerced and offered inducements to back the package.
Legislative Numbers Game
The government’s ability to secure the required two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the constitutional amendment remains uncertain. Officially, the agenda for today’s session does not list the amendment, but such items are often added as supplementary agendas. Despite opposition efforts to maintain party discipline, there are rumors that some PTI allies might support the government, potentially shifting the balance.
The government is also working to secure support from JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. If successful, this could give the ruling coalition a stronger position in the Senate, though they would still need additional votes in the National Assembly.
