ISLAMABAD: Opposition leaders and members of the ruling coalition met simultaneously with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday, as consensus on the 26th constitutional amendment appeared to be within reach.
Maulana Fazl played a crucial mediating role, facilitating discussions between the PTI-led opposition and the government, represented by the PPP. These meetings took place at Fazl’s residence and continued from earlier sessions that extended into the early hours of Friday.
Later that evening, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Fazl’s home for an hour-long meeting. Interestingly, the Maulana hosted delegations from both the opposition and the PPP in different rooms, allowing for parallel discussions.
Senator Allama Nasir Abbas, leader of the Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), was among the first to arrive around 3 PM, followed by representatives from various opposition groups, including Sahibzada Hamid Raza of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and leaders from the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M).
The PTI delegation, led by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, included notable figures like Omar Ayub and Asad Qaiser.
As the opposition’s discussions began at 4 PM, the PPP delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, arrived shortly after. Maulana Fazlur Rehman briefly left the opposition discussions to greet the PPP leaders, holding a separate meeting with them.
After the meetings, Senator Abbas praised Bhutto-Zardari for his respectful demeanor and commended Maulana Fazlur Rehman for bridging gaps during tense discussions. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan later indicated that while progress had been made, formal discussions with the PPP on the amendment were yet to take place.
He expressed optimism that a consensus was close and mentioned plans to meet Imran Khan in Adiala jail to finalize details.
While most aspects of the draft amendment were agreed upon, the selection process for the Chief Justice remained contentious. The PTI deferred a decision until consulting Khan, whereas other opposition parties had given their consent.
Later, the PTI delegation returned for dinner, where Deputy PM Dar raised concerns about the draft, particularly regarding civilian trials in military courts.
Post-midnight, Bhutto-Zardari made another visit to the Maulana, seeking his support for the amendment in a final push.
