Senator Irfan Siddiqui
Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui has emphasized that advancing the proposed constitutional amendments will be unattainable without the backing of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F).
Siddiqui’s remarks come in response to Fazl’s outright rejection of the draft for the controversial constitutional package, which seeks to implement changes to Pakistan’s judicial and parliamentary systems.
In a recent appearance on program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath,’ Senator Siddiqui noted that while Maulana Fazl had previously shown no objections to specific elements like the constitutional court or the process for appointing judges, he had still rejected the draft of the amendments.
Siddiqui suggested that Fazl’s concerns were more about the hurried nature of the amendments rather than the content itself.
The PML-N senator highlighted that the draft’s acceptance hinges on Fazl’s support, and without it, the constitutional amendments face an uncertain future.
Siddiqui mentioned that there are currently at least five different drafts circulating in the media, and hoped that the draft put forth by Fazl would align more closely with the government’s proposal.
Siddiqui also pointed out that the timing for tabling the amendments has not yet been finalized but hinted that it could happen in September or October. The senator stressed that once Maulana Fazl is satisfied with the draft, the amendments would be presented in parliament.
However, the lack of a definitive “magic number” of votes needed for passing the amendments remains a significant hurdle. The government initially anticipated that Fazl’s support would secure the necessary votes, but this has proven to be overly optimistic.
The proposed constitutional package includes legislation aimed at extending the tenure of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, who is set to retire in October, and raising the retirement age for judges.
To pass these amendments, the government is currently short by 13 votes in the National Assembly and nine in the Senate.
The context of these amendments involves broader political maneuvering. The government’s push for the amendments comes amid speculation about extending CJP Isa’s tenure and addressing concerns raised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding election interference.
The PTI and JUI-F, despite their historical rivalry, found common ground after the February 8 general elections, voicing mutual concerns about the election process.
In a recent development, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser hosted a luncheon in Islamabad in honor of Maulana Fazl, attended by PTI lawmakers including Omar Ayub, Barrister Gohar, and former president Arif Alvi.
Following the meeting, Fazl reiterated his rejection of the government’s draft, criticizing its selective distribution and lack of transparency. This ongoing political dynamic underscores the complexity of achieving consensus on constitutional reforms in Pakistan.
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