The National Assembly and Senate are set to meet today at 12:30 pm, as the government continues efforts to gain support for its proposed constitutional amendments.
Key political figures, including Khaqan Abbasi and Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, visited JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to seek his backing after the government struggled to gather the necessary votes to pass the amendment. The amendments involve extending judges’ tenure and increasing their retirement age, but so far, Fazlur Rehman has not committed his support.
The ruling coalition currently needs 13 more votes in the National Assembly to pass the amendment, while in the Senate, they are nine votes short. JUI-F’s support, with its eight MNAs, has become crucial in both houses.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the draft amendment has not yet been approved by the federal cabinet, causing delays in the process.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto emphasized the need for consensus on the proposed changes, stating that some agreement has been reached with Fazlur Rehman, though final decisions are still pending. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar added that the required votes will likely be secured.
The proposed amendments include establishing a constitutional court, adjusting judicial selection procedures, and increasing representation in the Balochistan Assembly.
As negotiations continue, both sides are striving to reach a consensus before the amendments can move forward.