PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has voiced concerns that passing the constitutional amendment in Parliament could become difficult after October 25.
“There will be challenges to the constitutional amendment post-October 25,” he stated during a meeting with a delegation from the Supreme Court Press Association at Zardari House on Tuesday. He referenced a recent decision regarding reserved seats as indicative of this trend, suggesting that if amendments occur before the deadline, complications could be avoided.
While he did not elaborate on the context of his statement, October 25 holds significance for the legal community as it marks the retirement of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, with Senior Puisne Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah set to succeed him. Last month, CJP Isa clarified that he had declined a proposed extension to his tenure in light of age limit reforms.
The legislation, dubbed the “26th Constitutional Amendment,” aims to establish a fixed three-year tenure for the chief justice. Initially scheduled for introduction in the National Assembly and Senate last month, the government faced difficulties in presenting it over the weekend, despite concerted efforts to secure support.
Details of the proposed amendments, which had largely remained confidential, were discussed during a special parliamentary committee meeting on September 15. This meeting aimed to bring the opposition on board, which did not sit well with opposition members and government allies alike.
On September 18, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman rejected the proposed amendments but expressed support for the establishment of constitutional courts without any person-specific legislation.
