Constitutional Amendment Bill
The government’s attempt to introduce the 26th Constitutional Amendment hit a major roadblock during the early stages as the federal cabinet meeting, which was expected to approve the amendment, was postponed.
This delay has been primarily attributed to the government’s inability to secure the critical support of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose backing is considered essential for the success of the amendment.
Sources revealed that the government is now unlikely to present the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill in today’s parliamentary sessions, which were specifically reconvened to introduce the bill.
The setback has forced the government to focus on routine parliamentary matters. Normal proceedings took place in the National Assembly, where a three-point agenda was scheduled for discussion, and both the National Assembly and Senate sessions, which had already started late, were ultimately adjourned indefinitely.
The government has struggled repeatedly to gather sufficient parliamentary support to pass the critical judiciary-related amendments.
The ruling coalition, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), had instructed their members to ensure full attendance in today’s sessions, hoping to push through the amendments.
However, the inability to secure the necessary backing from Maulana Fazlur Rehman has stalled their plans.
The federal cabinet was initially scheduled to meet at 10:30 am to approve the draft legislation related to judicial reforms. However, concerns raised by the JUI-F chief have cast doubt on the government’s ability to achieve a consensus on these reforms.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation and the perceived haste in drafting the constitutional amendments.
He emphasized that it would be preferable for the government to consult all political parties thoroughly before finalizing any draft to ensure broader consensus.
The government has made several attempts to convince the JUI-F leader to endorse the proposed amendments. Meetings between senior leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, with Maulana Fazlur Rehman have so far been unproductive.
Even efforts from Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who had promised progress in negotiations, have not yielded any significant results.
Without the JUI-F’s support, the government’s path to passing the 26th Constitutional Amendment remains uncertain.
The inability to table the bill reflects the broader challenges faced by the ruling coalition in securing widespread parliamentary backing for its proposed judicial reforms.
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