Joint Session
The government has decided to convene a joint session of parliament, placing the number game associated with constitutional amendments back in the spotlight.
According to sources, the federal government has scheduled the joint session for August 28, with all members of the National Assembly and Senate being duly informed.
Parliamentarians have been instructed to ensure their presence at this critical session, although the agenda has not yet been disclosed.
This joint session will be pivotal for passing several bills that have encountered obstacles in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Some of these bills were successfully passed by the Senate but failed to gain approval in the National Assembly, while others experienced the reverse.
During the joint session, these bills will be presented for a vote, offering a chance to resolve the legislative impasse.
In addition to these bills, new legislation concerning the Election Act and reserved seats is expected to be introduced and potentially passed during the session.
These legislative moves indicate the government’s intent to address significant electoral and constitutional issues in the coming weeks.
Amidst these developments, the number game related to constitutional amendments has once again emerged as a focal point.
The ruling coalition currently does not hold a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, a requirement for passing constitutional amendments.
The coalition controls 210 seats in the 336-member house, while the opposition holds 103 seats. The fate of 23 reserved seats, however, remains undecided, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The opposition’s strength in the Senate has also seen a shift following the JUI-F’s decision to sit on the opposition benches. As a result, the ruling coalition now holds 59 seats in the Senate, while the opposition’s numbers have increased from 21 to 26.
Since a constitutional amendment requires the support of at least 64 senators, the dynamics in the Senate will be crucial to the government’s legislative ambitions.
Adding to the parliamentary activities, President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate for later this week.
The National Assembly Secretariat has issued a notification announcing that the President has called for a session of the National Assembly on August 26th.
This session, scheduled for 5 pm on Monday, August 26th, will take place at the Parliament House and will mark the 9th session of the 16th National Assembly.
Furthermore, President Zardari has also scheduled a Senate session for August 27th, with the upper house set to convene at 5 pm on Tuesday, August 27th.
Both sessions have been summoned under Article 54(1) of the Constitution, underscoring the urgency and significance of the legislative discussions and decisions that are expected to unfold.
As the government prepares to navigate the intricate number game in parliament, the upcoming joint session is poised to play a decisive role in shaping the legislative landscape, particularly concerning constitutional amendments and electoral reforms.
The outcomes of these sessions could have far-reaching implications for the political and legal framework of the country.
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