Constitutional Amendments move forward as allies unite on draft

ISLAMABAD – A special parliamentary committee on Friday achieved consensus on constitutional amendments draft that includes extending several changes including increasing CJP’s term.

Senate and National Assembly are set to reconvene tonight, with government expected to present the package following approval from the federal cabinet. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah announced all leaders have indicated alignment among these parties, although the PTI has expressed intentions to withhold its proposals until it receives sign-off from its incarcerated leader.

After today’s committee meeting, PPP leader said the bill was unanimously accepted and is now awaiting cabinet approval. While the government appears confident in presenting the amendments, challenges remain, particularly with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has threatened to withdraw support amid allegations of harassment against opposition lawmakers.

National Assembly session has been rescheduled alongside a similar change for the Senate session. PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui noted that most amendments have been agreed upon and expressed optimism for a full consensus. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also announced that consensus had been reached among the PPP, JUI-F, and PML-N regarding the constitutional package, urging quick passage of the amendments to fulfill commitments from the Charter of Democracy.

In response to allegations of harassment, PTI claimed that its members have faced bribery offers ranging from Rs1 billion to Rs3 billion to support the amendments. The party plans nationwide protests at predetermined locations following Friday prayers.

Concerns were further raised by Sardar Akhtar Mengal of the Balochistan National Party, who alleged mistreatment of two senators from his party to secure their votes, prompting calls for respect and dignity among lawmakers