Despite today being a designated holiday, both the Senate and the National Assembly will proceed with their regular meetings. The agendas for these sessions have been published, although the proposed constitutional amendment concerning judicial reforms is not officially listed.
Nonetheless, it might be introduced as a supplementary issue during the meetings.
The government’s efforts to advance judicial reforms have reached a crucial stage. The Senate is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. at Parliament House, where it will address a five-point agenda.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly will convene at 3 p.m. with six items on its agenda.
The proposed constitutional amendment includes changes to articles 179 and 195, and it may also involve raising the retirement age for government employees from 60 to 68 years.
If passed, this could allow Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to remain in office for an additional three years. The government claims to have secured the necessary support in both houses for the amendment’s approval.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is spearheading efforts to secure parliamentary backing and has renewed attempts to win over Maulana Fazlur Rahman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI).
The Maulana has previously opposed extending the chief justice’s tenure and has rejected the current legislation, advising the government to propose a broader judicial reform package instead.
Sources indicate that any constitutional package will depend on incorporating Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s suggestions, provided the government secures sufficient legislative support.
In anticipation of the potential vote, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited coalition lawmakers to a dinner at the Prime Minister’s Office this evening to solidify support and ensure full attendance at the upcoming sessions.
All coalition members have been instructed to remain in Islamabad until Monday.
The government’s success in finalizing the constitutional amendment will depend on securing at least four additional votes, including those from JUI, to achieve the required two-thirds majority.
The amendment is expected to be presented in Parliament on Sunday, subject to the outcome of ongoing negotiations and support.
