Live Updates: Govt fails to get two-thirds majority, constitutional amendment bill postponed

The government of Pakistan has approved a substantial increase in the house rent and judicial allowances for judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

According to a presidential amendment decree, issued with the approval of Acting President Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, the house rent for Supreme Court judges has been raised from Rs68,000 to Rs350,000 per month, while their judicial allowances have been increased from Rs428,040 to Rs4,281,163.

The judicial allowance hike for the Supreme Court judges represents a significant rise, with the new allowance now reaching Rs4.28 million. Additionally, the tax on their allowances has been raised to Rs11.61 million.

Similarly, the house rent for High Court judges has also been raised from Rs65,000 to Rs350,000, while their judicial allowance has been increased from Rs342,000 to Rs1,090,000.

The Ministry of Law and Justice issued a formal notification after Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani's approval, confirming these increases.

The changes come amid ongoing discussions regarding the size of Pakistan's judiciary. The Supreme Court currently has 17 judges, though a recent parliamentary law allows for the expansion of the court to 34 judges, with the appointment of an additional 17 judges still pending.

It is also noteworthy that the salary increases follow an earlier order issued by the Acting President and Chairman of the Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani, on July 4.

This order set the monthly salary for the Chief Justice of Pakistan at Rs1.22 million, while other senior judges of the Supreme Court will now receive Rs1.16 million.

These increases were part of broader efforts to address the financial needs of the judiciary.

Previously, in June 2022, former President Dr. Arif Alvi had approved the monthly salary of the Chief Justice at Rs. 1.02 million, with other senior judges earning approximately Rs. 1.16 million.

The government has decided to retain the special parliamentary committee to oversee and guide discussions on proposed constitutional amendments, parliamentary stability, and respect for parliamentary members.

According to government sources, in the future, the final decision on proposed constitutional amendments will be taken by the parliamentary committee, including having the final authority on the proposed 27th Amendment.

Sources also reveal that the government aims to take all political parties into confidence on the constitutional matters. For the proposed amendment, ongoing consultations within coalition partners, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), will continue, it has been agreed. 

Government representatives have confirmed that the coalition will also reach out to other political parties on the proposed changes. The committee has been tasked with submitting a report on the issue of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members’ arrests, the sources added. 

Also Read: Bill regarding number of Supreme Court judges to be tabled soon

On Sunday, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met and discussed significant political developments. Sources revealed that the leaders discussed a range of constitutional and governance issues, including the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. 

A main outcome of the meeting was the decision to quickly table a bill in parliament that addresses the composition of the Supreme Court by increasing the number of judges. This bill is expected to be introduced in parliament immediately and is anticipated to be approved within days.

Also Read: PM Shehbaz and Bilawal hail 26th Constitutional Amendment as historic step

Discussions also extended to the implementation of the newly approved 26th Constitutional Amendment, focusing on devising a mechanism for the formation of constitutional benches at both the federal and provincial levels. They decided that formal meetings would be held on the formation of constitutional benches. 

Moreover, the leaders reviewed the pending bill related to the municipal powers of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which has now been forwarded to the relevant committee for further consideration.

They also talked about the implementation of an agreement between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding the issues of Punjab. The meeting also reviewed the progress in implementation of an agreement over fund release and administrative positions in Punjab, according to sources. 

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman commended all political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for their collaborative efforts in successfully passing crucial constitutional amendment.

Expressing his thoughts during the key National Assembly session in the wee hours of Monday, Rehman highlighted the discussions stemmed from the issues concerning the Supreme Court judges' aspirations for extended terms.

Fazl brought the matter to the legislative floor, advocating for a constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring harmonious operations between the legislature and judiciary.

He emphasised the significance of the Charter of Democracy, a document he signed to promote a unified political consensus, which called for a constitutional court but lamented the emergence of divisive forums that contradicted its principles.

“The constitution will remain steadfast, even amid shifting political landscapes,” Fazl asserted, underlining the enduring nature of constitutional commitments between the nation and its provinces. He characterized the Constitution as sacred, noting that amendments become increasingly challenging as its importance is upheld.

He condemned the mistreatment of any political leader and expressed regret for not having condemned such actions sooner.

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Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar on Sunday introduced the long-awaited 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 in the Senate. The bill includes several key changes aimed at enhancing various aspects of governance and legal frameworks in Pakistan.

Below are the salient features of the bill:

1. Right to clean and healthy environment:

   • A new Article 9A is inserted, granting every citizen the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

2. Elimination of riba (Interest):

   • Amendment to Article 38 (f) mandates the complete elimination of riba (interest) by January 1, 2028.

3. Judicial Independence and Protection:

   • Amendment to Article 48(4) clarifies that the advice given to the President by the Cabinet or Prime Minister cannot be challenged in any court or tribunal
     
     
   • Amendment to Article 81 includes provisions for the allocation of funds for judicial bodies such as the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and Supreme Judicial Council
     
     
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   • Article 175A has been revised to provide a performance evaluation system for judges of the High Courts. The evaluation process will ensure accountability and address inefficiencies
     
     
   • Revisions to Article 177 specify that a person must have served as a High Court Judge for at least five years or practiced for 15 years in the High Court and the Supreme Court to qualify as a Judge of the Supreme Court
     
     

4. Revised procedure for appointment of judges:

   • Article 175A has been further modified to change the composition of the Judicial Commission responsible for appointing Supreme Court judges. A Special Parliamentary Committee will appoint the Chief Justice of Pakistan from among the three most senior judges
     
     
   • The committee will include representatives from the National Assembly and Senate, ensuring proportional representation of political parties based on their parliamentary strength
     
     
     
     
   • The committee will operate with a majority vote (two-thirds) to finalize judicial appointments

5. Organising elections:

   • Amendment to Article 81 includes provisions for sums to organize and conduct elections for the National Assembly, Senate, Provincial Assemblies, and local governments
     
     

6. Judicial evaluation and accountability:

   • Provisions are added for annual performance evaluations of High Court Judges by the Judicial Commission.
     In cases of unsatisfactory performance, judges will be given a chance to improve, failing which the matter will be referred to the Supreme Judicial Council

7. Retirement age and tenure of  Chief Justice of Pakistan:

   • Amendment to Article 179 limits the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to three years, irrespective of age. After the completion of their term, the Chief Justice will retire regardless of their age at the time

8. Appointment criteria for SC:

   • Changes to Article 177 redefine the qualifications required for appointments to the Supreme Court, requiring candidates to have served as High Court judges for at least five years or to have practised as advocates for at least 15 years

Strict security arrangements have been implemented for today’s sessions of the Senate and National Assembly, with a number of restrictions on entry and media coverage.

According to a spokesman, the entry of guests into the sessions has been prohibited as part of enhanced security measures.

Only media representatives holding press gallery cards will be allowed to enter Parliament, while strict guidelines have been issued to prevent the making of video footage or mobile recordings in both the Senate and National Assembly press galleries.

The Senate Media Directorate has appealed to all parliamentary reporters to cooperate with the regulations, emphasizing the prohibition on mobile footage from the press gallery.

Similarly, the National Assembly Media Directorate has issued a directive that any media representative found making videos will have their mobile phones confiscated, in line with the Speaker's ruling.

These measures are aimed at maintaining the integrity and security of the sessions while ensuring that reporting is conducted within the set guidelines.

Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Saturday categorically rejected the proposed constitutional amendments being discussed in secrecy, asserting that he will not participate in any changes imposed by force.

After a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Islamabad, the seasoned politician expressed his concerns regarding the current political climate, stating, "We cannot negotiate with anyone until our missing members of parliament return."

He stressed that the situation is far from conducive for any form of negotiation, particularly when threats loom over political discourse.

Mr Mengal slated the government’s approach to the amendments, remarking, "Constitutional changes are being introduced in a clandestine manner, raising questions about the true authorship of these amendments."

He pointed out that after 51 years since the enactment of the 1973 Constitution, it is perplexing that sudden amendments are deemed necessary. "What kind of emergency justifies such secretive alterations?" he queried.

During a press briefing in Islamabad following the meeting, Mengal lamented the ongoing state of emergency and the government's singular focus on amending the constitution while neglecting critical issues affecting citizens. "The constitution is not a secret document; it should be transparent and accessible to every citizen," he asserted.

Mengal further criticised the current administration for attempting to conceal the content of the amendments, suggesting that the ruling class is embarrassed to disclose them to the public.

"Political parties and their workers have the right to be informed about the constitution they are governed by," he added.

Highlighting the troubling methods reportedly employed by the government, Mengal condemned the harassment and abduction of party members, stating, "Is this a democratic process? Such practices have no place in any democratic nation."

He questioned whether the amendments stem from the government, its allies, or from factions historically opposed to the constitution, labeling their actions as threats to democratic norms.

Top political leaders gathered at the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman late last night in a major step towards reaching a national consensus on the proposed constitutional amendments.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar held a crucial meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was also present.

The meeting, which lasted for two hours, focused on resolving points of disagreement related to the proposed amendments.

According to sources, Maulana Fazlur Rehman raised concerns about the harassment of members from JUI, BNP Mengal, and PTI, urging the government to address these issues. The government assured the JUI chief that the matters would be resolved amicably.

Also Read: PTI, JUI-F agree on several key points of proposed constitutional amendments

Government sources claimed that several reservations of Maulana Fazlur Rehman have been addressed. "There is now no significant hurdle left in the way of the amendment," the sources said. 

The leaders avoided speaking to the media after the meeting, but insiders suggest that further consultations are scheduled for today. 

Earlier, a high-level meeting between leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing on several key points of a proposed constitutional amendment,

JUI-F head Maulana Fazlur Rahman took the PTI leaders into confidence on a joint draft for the proposed constitutional amendments. According to sources, the PTI agreed on several key points of the government's joint draft, while further discussions on the remaining points are expected in the next round of talks scheduled for today. 

Also Read: Govt's proposed constitutional amendment draft allows dual citizens to contest elections

The PTI delegation, which included Omar Ayub, Asad Qaisar, Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Hamid Raza, and Senator Hamid Khan visited the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the meeting.

After the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed serious reservations about the government's behaviour during the negotiation process. He criticized the government for its alleged harassment of JUI members, including kidnappings and attempts to bribe key figures.

Similarly, PTI leaders raised concerns about the harassment of their own members. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said, "If the government's attitude remains the same, we will not participate in the process of constitutional amendment."

A high-level meeting between leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing on several key points of a proposed constitutional amendment,

JUI-F head Maulana Fazlur Rahman took the PTI leaders into confidence on a joint draft for the proposed constitutional amendments. According to sources, the PTI agreed on several key points of the government's joint draft, while further discussions on the remaining points are expected in the next round of talks scheduled for today.

The PTI delegation, which included Omar Ayub, Asad Qaisar, Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Hamid Raza, and Senator Hamid Khan visited the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the meeting.

After the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed serious reservations about the government's behaviour during the negotiation process. He criticized the government for its alleged harassment of JUI members, including kidnappings and attempts to bribe key figures.

The JUI chief warned that if such tactics continue, he may halt the negotiation process entirely. "If we are bullied, we will adopt the same attitude," Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, indicating that his party might be forced to take a tough stance if the government's actions do not change.

Similarly, PTI leaders raised concerns about the harassment of their own members. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said, "If the government's attitude remains the same, we will not participate in the process of constitutional amendment."

He also confirmed that many points had been agreed upon with Maulana Fazlur Rehman and that further discussions will take place in the next meeting.

Meanwhile, the draft of the 26th constitutional amendments proposed by the government allows dual citizens to contest the elections. The draft obtained by Samaa TV comprises 24 key points and suggests major reforms to the judiciary and the electoral framework in the country. 

The highlights of the amendment include the establishment of a "constitutional division" within the Supreme Court, which will oversee constitutional appeals and the hearing of cases. A three-member bench, constituted by the three senior-most judges of this division, will handle cases previously under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Also Read: Govt's proposed constitutional amendment draft allows dual citizens to contest elections

The proposed changes emphasize equitable representation of judges from all provinces, aiming for a balanced judicial structure. No Supreme Court judge will have the authority to hear suo motu cases, constitutional appeals, or presidential references independently.

The draft introduced Article 191A, declaring a healthy and sustainable environment a fundamental right. Additionally, amendments to existing articles aim to restrict judicial review of summaries submitted by the prime minister or cabinet and allow dual citizens to contest elections, provided they renounce foreign citizenship within 90 days of being elected.

The reforms had also proposed alterations to the composition and functioning of the judicial commission and the Supreme Judicial Council.

Meanwhile, the measures to ensure accountability, including performance reviews of judges, are part of the comprehensive overhaul. As these proposed changes circulate, they have ignited discussions regarding the future of judicial and electoral integrity in Pakistan.

In a significant development, prominent religious scholars have expressed their support for constitutional reforms and changes to the justice system in Pakistan.

Secretary General of the Muslim Unity Council, Allama Abu Bakr Qasmi, highlighted the urgent need for a functional justice system to foster a strong, prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan.

He noted that public faith in the current judicial system has eroded, making reform essential, and pledged the council's support to the government in this endeavour.

Similarly, the General Secretary of the Unity of Believers Party, Allama Tayyib Khetran, stressed that the survival, prosperity, and peace of the nation are closely linked to an effective justice system. He urged the government to ensure the provision of justice around the clock, alongside the constitutional amendments.

Peer of Manki Sharif, Sahibzada Pir Amin Qadri, emphasized that addressing Pakistan's current challenges requires collaboration among all political parties and institutions. He warned that the justice system has deteriorated significantly and requires immediate improvement to restore public confidence.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed against the proposed constitutional amendments after the petitioners requested to withdraw their case.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, presided over the hearing on Thursday.

Hamid Khan, a senior lawyer representing the petitioners, appeared before the court and formally requested the withdrawal of the application. "We want to withdraw this application," Khan stated.

The CJP remarked that the petition had been filed by six lawyers, and asked whether Hamid Khan’s services were engaged solely for withdrawing it. "Were your services hired only to withdraw the application?" the chief justice asked. He further expressed that he was sure the petitioners must have formally engaged the counsel, questioning whether they had filed a baseless application that now they wanted to withdraw it. 

Also Read: Court rejects petition against proposed constitutional amendments

CJP Isa also sought clarification on whether the petitioners were withdrawing the appeal against the registrar's objection or the original application. Hamid Khan confirmed that both the application and the appeal were being withdrawn.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa also hinted at his upcoming retirement during a brief conversation with lawyer Abid Zuberi. He noted, "You had one more application," but added, "I did not fix it during my tenure. It will now be fixed after my term ends." 

Last week, the Sindh High Court had also dismissed a petition filed by lawyers challenging the proposed constitutional amendments, stating that the court could not intervene in a matter that had yet to be finalised. 

During the hearing, Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui remarked that the amendments had not even been passed yet, so the judiciary had no grounds to interfere. He emphasized that elected representatives in the National Assembly, on behalf of the country’s 240 million citizens, were responsible for legislating. 

"How can the court intervene when there is no amendment yet?" the chief justice asked, stressing that it was premature to question the legality of the proposal. "How can we determine before the amendment whether it is in accordance with the law or not?"

The petition, filed by Ghulam Rehman Korai and others, sought judicial review of the proposed 26th constitutional amendment. The lawyers argued for the court's intervention, calling for the draft amendment to be presented before Bar Councils and Bar Associations for review before it is debated in the assembly. 

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a nationwide protest on Friday (tomorrow) in response to the government's plans to introduce the 26th amendment to the constitution.

The decision was made during a PTI political committee meeting held in Islamabad, where the party leadership firmly stated their opposition to the constitutional changes proposed by the government.

In a declaration issued after the meeting, PTI stated categorically that it did not accept the government's plan to alter the constitution. The party called for protests across the country after Friday prayers, with leaders urging party members and supporters to take to the streets.

During the meeting, the PTI also outlined its strategy for the upcoming National Assembly session. It was decided that only central leaders would participate in the session, with other members abstaining. Opposition leader Omar Ayub announced that he would only attend a special parliamentary party meeting after consulting Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the draft of the proposed amendments. 

Also Read: PTI decides to postpone Oct 15 protest amid SCO moot

The PTI's political committee also used the occasion to condemn the treatment of the party's founder, Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned in Adiala Jail. The party expressed strong disapproval of the conditions faced by their leader and called for immediate access for lawyers, family members, and party leaders. 

Earlier, the PTI had scheduled a protest for October 15 at Islamabad's D-Chowk, however, it postponed it after much deliberation due to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit being held in the city. 

A meeting of the PTI political committee was held where the decision had been taken due to the majority of the opinions of the PTI political committee members. Sources divulged that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had discussed the matters pertaining to the governmental offer with the political committee. 

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on Tuesday agreed on a draft for constitutional amendments.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Karachi, where JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari revealed that the two parties have reached a consensus.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while addressing the media, praised Bilawal Bhutto's efforts in facilitating the agreement, stating, "Bilawal Bhutto played a crucial role in bringing us together on the constitutional amendments. We aim to gather support from all political forces, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)."

Bilawal Bhutto, in his remarks, confirmed that further consultations are planned with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership.

"Maulana Fazlur Rehman will meet Nawaz Sharif tomorrow, and we have also been invited to join for a discussion. I hope this agreement between PPP and JUI-F will serve as the foundation for a broader consensus," Bhutto said.

The PPP chairman added that both parties have historically played a key role in protecting and strengthening the constitution, expressing hope that this cooperation will continue.

"We will meet with Nawaz Sharif to try and form a consensus, and efforts will also be made to secure unanimous approval for the constitutional amendment," he said.

Bilawal Bhutto further emphasised the need for unity among all political parties, stating that the proposed amendments are in the national interest, not for personal or party gains.

The meeting between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Nawaz Sharif is expected to take place tomorrow, with key decisions anticipated regarding the amendment process.

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have reached an agreement on constitutional amendments concerning judicial reforms.

The two leaders met at Punjab House, where they discussed the current political landscape of the country.

Bilawal Bhutto was warmly welcomed by Nawaz Sharif upon his arrival. Meanwhile, the discussions focused primarily on the need for judicial reforms and the necessary constitutional changes to facilitate these reforms.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the commitment to present the proposed amendments in Parliament. Both parties agreed to consult with each other and other political stakeholders to determine the appropriate date for this presentation.

The meeting was attended by several senior leaders from both parties, including PML-N's Maryam Aurangzeb, Rana Sanaullah, Parvaiz Rasheed, Irfan Siddiqui, and Ahsan Iqbal.

On the PPP side, notable figures such as Yousuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Khurshid Shah, Murtaza Wahab, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Naveed Qamar, and Palusha Khan participated in the discussions.

Following the meeting, the PML-N chief is scheduled to host a dinner in honor of a Saudi delegation, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic engagements of his party.

In Sahiwal, students and citizens organized a rally to advocate for constitutional courts and amendments.

 The participants expressed their dissatisfaction with the current judicial system, stating that expecting justice from courts ranked 130th in the world is unrealistic. They emphasized the need for reforms to ensure the swift and fair delivery of justice.

Chanting slogans in favor of constitutional amendments, the protesters demanded changes to the Constitution that would guarantee justice for the public.

They highlighted how the existing legal system has failed to resolve the issues faced by the common people.

The participants strongly urged the government to introduce reforms that would address the inefficiencies in the judiciary, making it more transparent and accessible to the masses. As the rally concluded, the demonstrators vowed to continue their struggle, promising to raise the demand for constitutional amendments across every platform until the necessary reforms are enacted.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has emphasized that the government will want the constitutional amendments to be passed before October 25 - the day Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa is set to retire.

Speaking on a private TV channel show, the former minister also the importance of cooperation across party lines and urged the government to involve all political factions in the process of finalisation of the amendments.

"The government shared the judicial reform proposals with the judiciary before approaching its political allies," Bilawal mentioned, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had been given an opportunity to collaborate on improving the system. "Whether it’s about the parliamentary system or the judiciary, the aim is to work together for a better future."

Bilawal further stated that the government had been asked to form a parliamentary committee that includes representatives from all political parties, stressing that the constitutional amendments should not be driven by stubbornness or compulsion, but by consensus. 

For the first time, according to Bilawal, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has delegated powers to other judges, expressing respect for both Justice Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah. The PPP, Bilawal noted, is striving to pass the constitutional amendments through broad agreement, without depending on influential electables.

“We want to bring forward constitutional amendments that have broad consensus," Bilawal remarked. He acknowledged that the PPP has maintained from the first day that it agreed with Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the proposed amendments. 

The former minister also condemned a recent statement by PTI Founder Imran Khan, calling it an attempt to politicize the army chief and making him controversial, reducing the chances of meaningful dialogue. "The PTI founder’s statement has diminished the possibility of constructive dialogue, but our doors remain open for PTI," Bilawal stressed, adding that the PTI has yet to formally approach the PPP for discussions.

Clarifying his party’s stance on the proposed constitutional amendments regarding judicial appointments, Bilawal stated that if they had to favour a judge, they would do it for life. He insisted that neither the government nor the PPP had any intention of favouring any judge; rather, their focus has always been on implementing judicial reforms. 

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a series of protests in several cities across Punjab from October 11 to 14, demanding the release of party Founder Imran Khan and the proposed constitutional amendments.

While on one hand, the PTI will mobilize supporters in various cities, on the other hand, its leadership has instructed party members of the National Assembly and Senate to refrain from joining the demonstrations.

The protests will begin on October 11 in Multan and Sahiwal, followed by rallies in Gujranwala and Sargodha on October 12. On October 13, PTI supporters will gather in Dera Ghazi Khan division. The demonstrations will culminate on October 14 with large gatherings planned in Lahore and Faisalabad. It has also been announced that a nationwide protest will be called after October 14. 

PTI Central Punjab President Hammad Azhar confirmed the protest schedule via a post on X (formerly Twitter), urging the public to participate. He emphasized that after the protests in Punjab, the entire country will be urged to converge on Islamabad for a massive protest.

“The protest is aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty of the people,” Azhar stated.

Simultaneously, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has issued instructions to the party’s lawmakers, directing members of the National Assembly and Senate not to participate in political gatherings, meetings, rallies, or demonstrations. 

The protests come in response to growing political tensions, with the PTI expressing concerns over the incarceration of its founder and the proposed constitutional amendments, which the party sees as undermining the country’s democratic principles.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called on the government to delay the proposed constitutional amendments until the conclusion of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference.

During a press conference in the capital on Tuesday, the JUI-F leader also urged the opposition to suspend their protests to maintain political stability during the international event.

Fazlur Rehman, while addressing the media, emphasised the need for a more deliberative process regarding the constitutional amendments, pointing to the example of the 18th Amendment, which took nine months of discussions before all parties reached an agreement.

“The government informed me that these amendments are being rushed, but I question why there is such urgency to make constitutional changes under an emergency,” he stated. “If force is used to impose these amendments, we will stand firm in our opposition.”

He further highlighted that the government's authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan appears to be waning, suggesting that the current political and internal divisions should be transformed into a movement toward unity.

“The situation our country is facing requires careful attention. The government's writ has weakened in these provinces,” he said, calling for restraint and consensus-building.

The JUI-F chief also raised concerns over the halt in the registration of religious seminaries, accusing the government of spreading false propaganda. “If the government has demanded, then they should also listen to ours,” Fazlur Rehman insisted.

When asked about potential political manoeuvring, Maulana Fazlur Rehman dismissed any notion of disunity within his ranks, stating that no members of his party had defected.

He reiterated his stance against "match-fixing" and horse-trading in politics, affirming his commitment to his party’s discipline. He clarified that there is no agreement in place for a joint protest with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Mr Fazl also touched upon the ongoing violence in the Middle East, expressing grave concern over Israel's continued aggression against Palestinians. He condemned the silence of the Muslim Ummah on the matter, calling it "worrisome."

“Israel is engaging in state-sponsored terrorism, and the Muslim Ummah is watching in silence. This silence must be broken,” he stated, while accusing Israel of using Western and American weaponry to further its military goals.

Fazlur Rehman also noted that the conflict has expanded to Lebanon, where prominent Muslim leaders are being targeted.

He called on the Muslim world to unite and take a stand against what he termed as Israel's "brutality and bloodshed." “The Muslim Ummah has to put an end to this terror,” he asserted, urging for immediate action.

Students from the Student Movement Vehari gathered for a peaceful demonstration in support of constitutional amendments. The rally highlighted the importance of youth participation in national affairs and their constitutional rights.

Speakers at the event emphasized the crucial role of young people in national security and development. They referred to the youth as a valuable asset to the nation, stressing their significant contribution to the country's progress and stability.

Participants chanted slogans advocating for constitutional rights and amendments. They underscored the connection between Pakistan's sovereignty and the rights of underprivileged citizens to constitutional reforms. The proposed amendments aim to grant rights to marginalized sections of society and include them in the nation's development process.

At the conclusion of the protest, students deliberated on future courses of action. They pledged to continue their efforts in safeguarding the country's constitution and fighting for the rights of the underprivileged.

Religious scholars in Pakistan have voiced their support for reforming the country's judicial system and amending the constitution. The leaders emphasized the need for a fair and efficient justice system to ensure a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.

Allama Atta Muhammad Deshani, President of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighted the complexities in the current judicial system. He stated that public faith in the courts has eroded, with thousands of cases pending. Deshani urged for comprehensive measures to address these issues.

Scholars support justice reform: "For a strong, happy, and peaceful Pakistan, the justice system must be fixed. Thousands of cases are pending, and people have lost faith," says Allama Ata Muhammad Deeshani (President Ahle Sunnat WalJamaat, KP). #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/cOy3ftAFAK

— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) October 1, 2024

Allama Saeed Jahangir Saeedi, Chairman of Tehreek-e-Paigham-e-Mustafa, likened the importance of justice in society to that of a backbone. He expressed readiness to support the government's initiatives to expedite the judicial process while maintaining fairness.

Allama Nasir Shirazi, Secretary-General of Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, stressed the necessity of accessible justice for both rich and poor. He pointed out that Pakistan's judicial system is burdened by delays and excessive litigation, calling for reforms to improve its effectiveness.

The religious leaders collectively agreed that a well-functioning justice system is crucial for eliminating oppression and maintaining societal stability. They advocated for reforms that would accelerate legal proceedings and ensure equitable access to justice for all citizens.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Sunday the government has the numbers to make constitutional amendments whenever needed.

Expressing his thoughts, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwart said: "The PPP has always aimed to take everyone along.” Speaking about JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Memon stated: "If Fazlur Rehman has any draft, it should be included as well."

We do not want a situation where a few people sit down and hold institutions hostage. Meanwhile, the PTI is busy working on further divisions within itself.”

– Mentally unstable –

Separately, few days back, PPP senior leader Shazia Marri schooled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, saying that the latter was "mentally unstable."

Addressing a presser in Islamabad, Marri said: "Ali Amin Gandapur has hurled foul language at the journalists. It is an injustice for the masses of KP to appoint Ali Amin Gandapur as the chief minister of the province. This [Ali Amin Gandapur] has once again wanted to create a situation similar to the events that transpired on May 9."

She lambasted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, saying, "The PTI founder has endorsed the statement of Ali Amin Gandapur instead of opposing it. The only thing that the PTI founder had done in the country was to spread unrest."

Marri lamented the situation in KP, saying, "The situation in KP is alarming. The PPP has never supported the governor rule. However, the situation in KP can lead to it."

She continued to fire a salvo at CM Gandapur, saying, "Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has asked Afghanistan to keep Ali Amin Gandapur there."

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday said that constitutional amendments should be driven by necessity, not personal interests.

During a meeting with senior journalists in Islamabad on Wednesday, he reiterated his support for establishing a constitutional court and stressed the importance of consensus when approving such amendments.

The JUI chief clarified that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought support for broader national reforms, not amendments benefiting specific individuals.

He also expressed concern over the current situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), stating that both provinces are effectively under the control of armed groups, while the nationalists and religious parties have been sidelined through fraudulent means.

Fazlur Rehman criticized the double standards in addressing national issues, where nationalist movements are treated as internal problems, while issues based on religious grounds are exaggerated on a global scale.

The JUI chief stressed that the focus should be on the national interest, urging for reforms that serve the broader good rather than individual agendas. He further stated that the role of institutions in elections should be seen as a unifying force for the country.

Mehmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), on Wednesday said that constitutional amendments should not be made behind closed doors through conspiracies, asserting that the constitution is a sacred document, not just a piece of paper.

Speaking to a media delegation in Quetta, he criticised political maneuvers and described Maulana Fazlur Rehman as a weak politician, claiming his political influence was overestimated.

Addressing the country’s economic crisis, Achakzai pointed out that over 30 million Pakistanis still live below the poverty line.

He stressed that solutions lie in democratic stability and the rule of law, calling for electoral reforms to bring true representation to the people.

The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan chief further proposed that new elections are the key to addressing the nation’s challenges.

He urged all political parties to agree on shared principles for governance, allowing the public to choose their representatives. He also highlighted that a committee led by Ayaz Sadiq could be instrumental in deciding on electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

Adviser to the Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday highlighted ongoing consultations among lawyer organizations and bar associations regarding the formation of a Constitutional Court.

Speaking exclusively in Samaa TV program “Nadeem Malik Live,” he said that the idea of establishing such a court was first introduced in the Charter of Democracy and has been a long-standing demand of democratic forces.

The adviser to PM explained that the objective is to resolve tensions between Parliament and the judiciary, a goal that was previously agreed upon to ease institutional stress. He expressed concern that the Supreme Court has taken on the role of rewriting the Constitution, which has led to conflicts with Parliament.

He stressed the need to establish the Constitutional Court as a solution to these issues, stating that it would allow for a more balanced distribution of judicial authority.

Mr Sanaullah also noted that the concept of a Constitutional Court is gaining traction within political circles, with figures such as Maulana Fazlur Rehman supporting the initiative. He revealed that discussions are underway regarding the necessary constitutional amendments to make this court a reality, including the procedure for appointing judges.

The PML-N leader remarked that just as judges can deliver justice in the Supreme Court, they should be able to do the same in a dedicated Constitutional Court.

Reflecting on past tensions between judiciary members, he referenced the treatment of Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa during former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar’s tenure, suggesting that these experiences highlight the need for judicial reform.

Sanaullah also addressed concerns from the opposition, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), questioning whether they would be satisfied with the appointment of any senior judge, given their criticisms of the judiciary.

Rana Sanaullah questioned whether PTI would agree if Justice Mansoor Ali Shah were appointed to the Constitutional Court. He mentioned that one of the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court could be selected as the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. He further added that since PTI has reservations about the current Chief Justice, would they be satisfied with the second or third most senior judge?

Furthermore, he confirmed that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being consulted on all key political decisions, particularly the establishment of the Constitutional Court. He assured that no significant steps would be taken without Sharif's approval, emphasising his central role in the decision-making process of both the federal and Punjab governments.

The adviser to the PM further expressed frustration over PTI’s reluctance to engage in negotiations, which has stalled efforts to resolve political tensions through dialogue. Despite this, he remains confident that the establishment of the Constitutional Court will move forward, ensuring the judiciary and Parliament work together more harmoniously in the future.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence immediately after the latter’s return from a luncheon hosted by Pakistan Tehereek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser.

The two leaders held a private meeting, during which they discussed the country’s political situation, parliamentary matters, and a draft of proposed constitutional amendments.

According to sources, the JUI chief expressed his concerns about the draft amendments and provided his recommendations for the changes. The conversation also touched on his recent engagement with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

This meeting is part of an ongoing dialogue between the Interior Minister and the JUI-F leader, who have met multiple times in recent weeks.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who is planning a week-long visit to South Punjab, assured that his legal team will remain available for further discussions on the constitutional amendments in his absence. Following the meeting with Naqvi, the JUI-F chief left for Multan.

The Awami National Party (ANP) demanded on Tuesday to change Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) name to “Pakhtunkhwa” in the constitutional amendment.

According to details, the ANP’s consultative committee meeting was held in Peshawar. On this occasion, the country’s political situation was underscored. The central core committee came up with the key decisions following the meeting.

The ANP had made it clear that the party would oppose the extension of the tenure in the constitutional posts.

“The party will oppose any of the constitutional amendments that will be against personal independence,” said the ANP.

“We denounce the proposals of trial of the political workers under the military courts through the constitutional amendment,” said the party.

“However, the ANP supports the judicial reforms in the constitutional amendments. The reforms will be helpful to end the doctrine of necessity permanently,” said the ANP.

“We will endorse the constitutional amendment, which will be in line with the 1973 Constitution,” the party said.

ANP said: “The current political war is happening for the sake of ruling the country.”

The party was of the view that the real power belongs to the parliament, which the masses elect.

 “We will continue our struggle for the sake of the supremacy of the parliament,” said the ANP.

During the meeting, the matters pertaining to the party’s organizational matters were also underscored.

In a bid to push through constitutional amendments related to judicial reforms, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has once again engaged with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-JUI-F (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The PPP delegation, led by Bhutto, included notable figures including Syed Khurshid Shah, Naveed Qamar, and Murtaza Wahab.

On the other hand, JUI-F's top brass Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, Maulana Abdul Wasay, Asad Mehmood, Kamran Murtaza, Usman Badini, and Maulana Misbahuddin were also present during the huddle.

According to Syed Khurshid Shah - a spokesperson for JUI - the meeting was part of an ongoing dialogue to align various political stakeholders on the proposed amendments.

Khurshid Shah stated, "We have taken Maulana Fazlur Rehman into confidence and discussed the previously contentious issues. We have removed provisions that faced objections."

The seasoned politician stressed that the right to legislate for the country's supremacy and the parliament’s authority cannot be obstructed. He assured that the PPP and its allies are committed to advancing the bill through parliament after consulting with all political parties.

Earlier, Bilawal Bhutto had engaged in crucial discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding securing support for the amendments.

In the meantime, the government has postponed the National Assembly and Senate sessions indefinitely, delaying the consideration of the constitutional amendments. 

A group of prominent lawyers, including Abid Zuberi, Shafqat Mehmood, and Munir Kakar, have filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging a set of proposed constitutional amendments.

The petition has named the federal government, the four provincial governments, the National Assembly, the Senate, and other relevant parties.

The petitioners argue that the proposed constitutional amendments undermine the separation of powers and threaten the independence of the judiciary. They have requested that the Supreme Court declare the proposed draft unconstitutional and prevent the government from moving forward with the amendments.

Also Read: Govt, Maulana Fazl agree to wait on constitutional amendments

The petition also calls for a halt to the process of presenting the bill for the constitutional amendment in parliament. In case parliament proceeds with the amendment, the petitioners request that the president of Pakistan be barred from signing it into law. 

The petition stresses the need to protect the judiciary's independence, powers, and jurisdiction, asserting that parliament does not have the authority to withdraw judicial powers or interfere with the judiciary’s functions.

Also Read: Details of all constitutional amendments revealed

The government's efforts to introduce the 26th Constitutional Amendment faced a setback in just the initial phase, as the federal cabinet meeting, where the amendments were to be approved, was postponed. Later, the sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate, which had been called to especially table the amendment bill, were adjourned indefinitely. 

The postponement of the cabinet meeting was attributed to the government's inability to secure the backing of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Therefore, the government failed to move the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill in today's sessions of parliament. 

Also Read: Setback for constitutional amendments: Cabinet meeting postponed; NA, Senate adjourned indefinitely

Due to the setback, normal proceedings continued in the National Assembly where a three-point agenda was scheduled for discussion, according to the sources. The government has consistently faced disappointment in gathering enough support in parliament to get the crucial judiciary-focused constitutional amendments passed.

The ruling coalition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), had directed their members to ensure their presence, hoping to table the amendments today. 

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has claimed that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the government have agreed to wait for a few more days before finalising their stance on the constitutional amendments that have shaken up the country's political scene.

Speaking to the media outside the Senate, the veteran politician claimed that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has not sought any time to decide about his support for the amendments, adding that he had only said the suggestions must be scrutinised in detail. 

The Maulana stated that, in principle, he agreed with several aspects of the amendments but would like to scrutinise the details himself as he had to face the people. 

Also Read: Govt's proposed amendments are dangerous: Omar Ayub

Irfan Siddiqui shared insights into their meeting from Sunday night, stating that Maulana's reaction was generally positive. Both the government and Maulana agreed to take a few more days to finalise their positions, allowing Maulana Fazlur Rehman to establish a well-informed stance.

"Maulana's reaction was positive during the 2-3 hours meeting. It is expected that he will review the specifics of the proposed amendments and provide his opinion in the coming days," he added. 

Siddiqui added that it could take around a week to 10 days for the constitutional amendments to move forward. He further declared that the sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate were likely to be postponed indefinitely.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub appeared in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in connection with the May 9 case registered at Cantt Police Station of Gujranwala.

Following his court appearance, Ayub addressed the media, where he voiced strong criticism of the government's proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Ayub called the amendments "dangerous," asserting that the government lacks the necessary support to push them through. "They don’t have enough numbers, so how can they proceed with such changes?" he questioned.

He further said that his party members were picked up, about which they even complained in the special committee meeting where, he added, even prominent political figures such as Bilawal Bhutto, Khursheed Shah, and Azam Nazeer Tarar were present.

"These people want to force these amendments at gunpoint, but it won’t happen," he stressed. Ayub also emphasized his faith in a higher power to prevent any wrongdoing, stating, "We are on the right path. God will create ways to stop them from doing wrong."

The draft of the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill has been unveiled, while the government struggles to garner enough support in parliament to introduce changes to various articles of the Constitution. 

The 31-page preliminary draft of the proposed bill consists of 56 points that propose amendments to 55 constitutional provisions. 

The sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate were set to re-convene today, as the government continued its efforts to table crucial judiciary-focused constitutional amendments. However, in a setback, the federal cabinet's meeting scheduled for 10:30am today to approve the draft law on judicial reforms, has been postponed.

It is being said that the meeting was postponed as Maulana Fazlur Rehman refused to extend support to the bill. 

Following are the main amendments proposed to various articles of the Constitution:

- Article 48: The proposed amendment states that no court, tribunal, or authority will be allowed to inquire into the advice sent by the cabinet or the prime minister to the president.
  
- Article 63A: Under this amendment, a member's vote will be counted even if they vote against the direction of their parliamentary party.

- Article 78: A federal constitutional court is proposed to be established through this amendment. This court will handle constitutional matters.

- Article 175A: Judges of high courts and Shariat courts will be appointed by a commission headed by the chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court. The commission will include two senior-most judges of the constitutional court, the chief justice of Pakistan, and two senior-most judges. 

Also Read: Setback for constitutional amendments: Govt postpones cabinet meeting

The law minister, attorney general, a senior advocate, and two members of the National Assembly and Senate will also be part of the commission.

- For the appointment of judges to the Federal Constitutional Court, the commission will include three additional judges of the constitutional court instead of the chief justice of Pakistan and judges of the Supreme Court.

- For appointments to the Supreme Court, the CJP will head the commission, as well as five Supreme Court judges.
  
- The chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court will be appointed on the recommendation of an eight-member National Assembly committee, which will nominate one of the three most senior judges of the court. The prime minister will forward this recommendation to the president.

- The same committee of the National Assembly will recommend the appointment of the chief justice of the Supreme Court, which will nominate one of the three most-senior judges of the court for the position. The committee will send the name to the prime minister on whose advice the president will appoint the CJP. 

Also Read: ‘Constitutional package’: Haven't received draft yet, says JUI-F’s Haideri

- The first chief justice of the constitutional court will be appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister, while the appointments of first constitutional court judges will be made by the president in consultation with the chief Justice.

- Judges from all four provinces will have equal representation in the Federal Constitutional Court. 

- The term 'chief justice of Pakistan' will be replaced with 'chief justice of the Supreme Court'. Only Pakistani citizens can be appointed as judges of the Supreme Court or the Constitutional Court; no dual citizens are eligible.

- Judges of the Constitutional Court will retire at the age of 68.

- The tenure for a Supreme Court judge serving in the Constitutional Court will be three years. The term for the chief justices of both the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court will also be limited to three years. 

- The Supreme Court's power to take suo motu notice has been proposed to be transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court.

- The authority to hear the presidential reference will also be transferred from the Supreme Court to the constitutional court. 

- Article 187 of the Constitution will also empower the Federal Constitutional Court. Under this article, the Supreme Court is empowered to pass any order for complete justice. 

- Under the proposed amendments, the order issued under Article 187 is limited to the jurisdiction of both superior courts. 

- The consent of a judge is proposed to be withdrawn for transfer to other high courts. The transfer of a judge to another high court will be decided on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission. 

- All appeals related to constitutional interpretation will be transferred from the Supreme Court to the constitutional court. 

- All suo motu notices being heard in the Supreme Court will also be transferred to the constitutional court. 

- The cases of disputes between the federation and the provinces or between provinces will also be transferred to the constitutional court.

- Several provisions of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act are also proposed to be made part of the Constitution.

- Benches hearing appeals on suo motu notices will become a regular part of the Constitution. 

The government's efforts to introduce the 26th Constitutional Amendment faced a setback in just the initial phase, as the federal cabinet meeting, where the amendments were to be approved, has been postponed.

The postponement has been attributed to the government's inability to secure the backing of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Therefore, according to sources, it is unlikely the government will move the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill in today's sessions of parliament, which had been re-convened to especially table the bill. 

Due to the setback, normal proceedings continued in the National Assembly where a three-point agenda was scheduled for discussion, according to the sources. The sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate resumed behind schedule and were later adjourned indefinitely. 

Also Read: Constitutional amendments: Senate, NA to re-convene today as govt struggles to convince Opp

The government has consistently faced disappointment in gathering enough support in parliament to get the crucial judiciary-focused constitutional amendments passed.

The ruling coalition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), had directed their members to ensure their presence, hoping to table the amendments today. 

The federal cabinet was scheduled to convene today at 10:30am to approve the draft law on judicial reforms. Concerns raised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman have cast a shadow over the government’s ability to secure consensus on these reforms. 

Also Read: Constitutional Amendment: National Assembly, Senate party position 2024

The Maulana has expressed dissatisfaction over what he termed as a lack of consultation and haste in drafting the constitutional amendments. He emphasized that it is preferable to consult all political parties before finalizing any draft. 

The government has made several attempts to convince the JUI-F chief to support the proposed amendments. Meetings between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other senior leaders with Maulana Fazlur Rehman have so far yielded no results. Even Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari promised progress, but with little to show for it. 

The ruling alliance aka PDM 2.0 needs to have a two-thirds majority in the parliament to accomplish the constitutional amendment.  

On Sunday, both treasury and opposition legislatures indulge in the ‘political drama’ to woo the JUI-F supremo Maulana Fazulur Rehman’s crucial votes to pass the Constitutional Amendment from the Parliament.  

The rainbow coalition led by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz needed 224 votes to pass the constitutional amendment out of 336 members of the Lower House of Parliament, while in the Senate the required number stands at 64 out of 96 senators of total strength of the Upper House of the Parliament.

Party position

The treasury benches got 214 members against the opposition's 101 MNAs. To get the thing done, the PMLN-led alliance needs 13 more votes for the required constitutional amendment.

Party position in Senate

As per the Senate website, the ruling coalition strength stood 54 including at PPP (24), PML-N (19), BAP (4) and MQM-P (3). There are four independent senators.

Right now, the government eye 9 crucial senate votes to pass the constitutional amendment.

The opposition in the Senate stood at 31 including PTI 17 seats, JUI-F (5) and ANP (3). It is to clarify that BNP, SIC, MWM, National Party, and PML-Q have one seat each in the Upper House of the Senate along with an independent senator.

The sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate will resume today at 12:30pm as the government continues its efforts to table crucial judiciary-focused constitutional amendments.

The ruling coalition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), have directed their members to ensure their presence, highlighting the importance of the upcoming proceedings.

The federal cabinet will also convene today at 10:30am to approve the draft law on judicial reforms. However, concerns raised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman have cast a shadow over the government’s ability to secure consensus on these reforms.

Maulana's hesitation

Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed dissatisfaction over what he termed as a lack of consultation and haste in drafting the constitutional amendments. He emphasized that it is preferable to consult all political parties before finalizing any draft. 

His objections have slowed down the government's mission to pass the reforms despite the apparent majority in parliament, particularly on World Democracy Day.

The government has made several attempts to convince the JUI-F chief to support the proposed amendments. Meetings between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other senior leaders with Maulana Fazlur Rehman have so far yielded no results. Even high-profile figures like Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have promised progress, but with little to show for it.

Inconclusive parliamentary sessions

The National Assembly speaker formed a special parliamentary committee to achieve consensus on judicial reforms. Initially composed of five members, the committee was later expanded with eight additional senators. Chaired by PPP leader Khursheed Shah, the committee has convened several times without reaching a breakthrough.

In a late-night meeting chaired by Shah and attended by Maulana Fazlur Rehman also, the draft was discussed but not finalized.

Despite a meeting of the National Assembly being called just before midnight, no action was taken, and the session was adjourned after the recitation of the national anthem.

Opposition’s demands

Both the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and JUI-F have demanded copies of the draft of the constitutional amendments before agreeing to support the government. JUI’s Abdul Ghafoor Hydari stated that his party will review each clause and decide on their stance only after receiving the draft.

Meanwhile, PTI’s Omar Ayub has accused the government and the PPP of playing political games without being transparent about the amendments. 

PPP's Khursheed Shah, head of the special committee, acknowledged that the draft is still being finalized and will be presented to the opposition only after cabinet approval. Abdul Ghafoor Hydari has warned the government that at least a month will be required to properly review the draft once it is provided.

The government's attempts to secure the necessary numbers in parliament for passing judicial reforms face continued challenges. As the sessions of both the National Assembly and Senate resume today, the focus remains on whether the government can finally bridge the divide and move forward with its reform agenda.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that the incumbent government was "not having the mandate to approve the constitutional package.”

Speaking exclusively to Samaa TV following the parliament sessions were postponed, Khan said: “In the in-camera briefing, all the things cannot be discussed. You [government] are not having the mandate pertaining to the judiciary. We want to hold talks on this.”

Khan stated: “We are having the question that on which topic do we have to discuss? What else do we talk with you [the government] without the constitutional amendment draft?”

“The special committee was constituted following the event that transpired on September 10,” said Khan.

“We demand the government to provide us with the draft,” the PTI chairman maintained.

– PTI looks for ‘breakthrough’ –

Earlier, Barrister Gohar said on Sunday that his party was still looking for "breakthrough" in line with putting the government to the test pertaining to the constitutional amendment.

Expressing his thoughts, Khan said: “There is nothing in the politics that is decisive. We are hopeful that Maulana Fazlur Rehman will stand by our side.”.

“We will continue to meet Maulana Fazlur Rehman,” said Khan.

The special committee ended after the parliament sessions were postponed pertaining to the constitutional amendment on Sunday night.

According to details, the meeting of the parliament's special committee, chaired by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwart Khursheed Shah had ended without any outcome.

Expressing his thoughts, Shah said: "No consensus has been reached yet in the meeting as the draft has not been presented yet."

"The committee meeting will be called again following the approval of the constitutional amendment draft from the cabinet," said Shah

– Govt, nation will get 'good news': Sanjrani –

Former Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani said on Sunday that the government and nation will get "good news".

Expressing his thoughts, Sanjrani said: "The government has informed us about the key clauses in line with the constitutional amendment bill. We will make the decision after the special committee meeting.

"It is premature to say anything about the matter," he said.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman did not support the government regarding the crucial constitutional amendments.

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House on Monday, Khawaja Asif commented on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the passage of the constitutional amendment.

"It seems the numbers were not complete," Asif stated. "I was present in the National Assembly since morning, so I am unaware of the details. However, the legislation did not pass due to insufficient numbers."

Mr Asif's remarks followed growing speculation over the delay in legislative proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Senate and National Assembly sessions, which were convened to deliberate on the constitutional amendments, have been postponed until 12:30 PM tomorrow. The reason for the delay remains unclear.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government's proposed constitutional amendments have recently been revealed with several key points emerging including changes to judicial procedures and structural reforms.

However, a notable omission is the amendment to extend the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, a proposal that had been anticipated.

Sources privy to the matter said that the proposed amendments will encompass several critical areas. Among these, the establishment of a constitutional court is highlighted, alongside a fixed procedure for the removal of judges.

RELATED: NA session on constitutional package delayed again

The proposed constitutional amendments include several key points:

• Establishment of  constitutional court: This court will handle cases related to constitutional matters. It is proposed that cases under Articles 184, 185, and 186 will be adjudicated in this court, with appeals from its decisions also heard there
  
  
• Removal procedure for judges: The amendments will detail a standardised process for the removal of judges, aiming to bring clarity and consistency to the procedure
  
  
• Restoration of 19th amendment's appointment process: The amendment concerning the appointment of judges, previously omitted in the 19th amendment, will be reinstated
  
  
• Transfer of high court judges: The draft also includes provisions for the transfer of High Court judges
  
  
• Amendment of Article 184: A proposal to amend Article 184(3) concerning suo motu notice is included
  
  
• Reorganisation of judicial appointments body: The draft suggests merging the Judicial Commission and the Parliamentary Committee to form a new committee
  
  
• Ad-hoc judges: An amendment to Article 181 will facilitate the appointment of ad-hoc judges

The proposed changes also reflect an effort to streamline the judicial system and enhance its efficiency. For instance, the creation of a constitutional court aims to centralise the handling of constitutional cases, potentially reducing delays and increasing clarity in the adjudication of such matters.

The federal cabinet and both houses of Parliament were scheduled to meet today to discuss and potentially approve the constitutional amendments. However, both the National Assembly and the Senate sessions have faced delays.

Read also: CJP tenure extension dropped as govt accepts Fazl's proposal

The ruling coalition, comprising the Muslim League (N), PPP, and MQM, has instructed their members to remain in the capital to ensure quorum for the legislative sessions. PPP sources noted that MNA Nafisa Shah was advised to stay in Islamabad, despite her plans to celebrate her father’s birthday in her hometown.

It is noteworthy that the retirement age for Supreme Court judges is proposed to be set at 68 years. This change, along with other amendments, is expected to be formally presented to the National Assembly shortly.

Additionally, Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq recently established an 18-member special committee to address the Charter of Parliament. This committee, which includes 12 government and 6 opposition members, will work on proposals, including those related to the amendments discussed today.

The parliamentary sessions in connection with the tabling of the "constitutional package" were postponed till Monday after the long delay and meetings of the political stakeholders.

According to details, the National Assembly session had been postponed till 12:30 pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, the upper house session will be held at 11:30 am after the revised schedule.

The meeting of the special committee was held during which Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan, Sherry Rehman, Anoushay Rehman, Rana Tanvir, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and others were present.

Expressing his thoughts, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman had said that the nation will get "good news".

Earlier, the federal cabinet's meeting, which was slated to be held at 3:00 pm, had not started.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had directed its lawmakers to ensure their attendance in both the sessions of the Senate and National Assembly. In this regard, PML-N parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif, had issued the letter to the PML-N’s lawmakers.

Meanwhile, PML-N parliamentary leader in the Senate, Irfan Siddiqui, had also issued a letter to the PML-N senators to ensure their presence in the upper house of the parliament.

On the other side, the role of JUI-F supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman in connection with the approval of the “constitutional package” is quite important. In a bid to ensure that the JUI-F chief will greenlight the constitutional amendment, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi had a meeting with the former on Saturday.

Read Also: Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with Fazlur Rehman on the cards: sources

Following the meeting of the government’s delegation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led delegation had also reached the residence of Rehman. According to the sources, the PTI leaders had also taken up the matter of the constitutional amendment with Rehman, but refused to address the media.

Read Also: Parliament House takes center stage in political landscape

For the constitutional amendment, the government needed the two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. This means that the incumbent government needed the support of 13 more lawmakers. In other words, the PM Shehbaz-led government needed 224 votes out of 336 to get approval over the constitutional package.

Read Also: PTI looks for ‘breakthrough’, hopes Fazlur Rehman will extend support

211 of the lawmakers are sitting on the government bench, out of which 110 are from the PML-N, 68 from the PPP, and 22 from the Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

Four of the lawmakers from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) each, one each from the Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and National Party (NP) are also part of the government’s bench.

On the other side, the government needed the support of nine lawmakers in the Senate.

Pakistan Constitution of 1973 has been amended 25 times so far. Now the ruling alliance is bringing 26th Constitutional amendments into the Parliament — National Assembly and Senate — in the name of judicial reforms.

The first Amendment was enacted on 4 May 1974 which redefined the boundaries of Pakistan and removed references to East Pakistan after the separation of Bangladesh.

The second amendment was enacted on 17 September 1974 defined who is considered a Muslim and declared the status of Quadianis as a minority and non-Muslim.

On Feb 18th, 1975, the third amendment extended the period of preventive detention while the fourth amendment was enactment on 21 November 1975, allocated additional seats for minorities, and removed the power of courts to grant bail to persons detained under preventive detention.

On 5 September 1976, the Fifth Amendment was enacted and expanded restrictions on the powers of the High Courts. The 6th amendment was enacted on 22 December 1976 that set retirement age limits for judges — Supreme Court judges retire at 65 while  High Court judges retire at 62.

The 7th Amendment enactment on 16 May 1977, allowed the Prime Minister to seek a vote of confidence from the people.

The 8th amendment enactment on 11 November 1985, changed the government structure to a semi-presidential system and granted additional powers to the President.

The 9th Amendment proposal in 1985 aimed to impose Shariah law as the supreme law of Pakistan. It is to clarify the bill was passed.

On March 25, 1987, the tenth amendment was enacted to fix the maximum interval between National Assembly sessions at 130 days.

Interestingly, the 11th amendment proposal date proposed in 1989, sought to revise reserved seats for women in the National and provincial assemblies. This is to clarify that the amendment was withdrawn.

In 1991, twelve amendments established Speedy Trial Courts for three years while the 13th Amendment enactment in 1997, removed the President’s power to dissolve the National Assembly and dismiss the Prime Minister.

The 14th amendment enacted on 3 July 1997, allowed dismissal of members of parliament if they defected from their party.

The 15th Amendment in 1998 sought to impose Shariah law as the supreme law of the land. It is to clarify the Fifteenth Amendment was not passed.

In 1999, the 16th Amendment extended the duration of the quota system from 20 to 40 years.

The 17th Amendment enacted in 2003 amended provisions related to the office of the President and reversed some changes from the 13th Amendment.

The 18th amendment enacted on 8 April 2010 removed the President's unilateral power to dissolve Parliament granted more authority to provinces and renamed the North-West Frontier Province (NEFP) to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The 19th Amendment that enacted on 22 December 2010, regulated the appointment of Supreme Court judges and changed the composition of the parliamentary committee responsible for appointing the Chief Electoral Officers.

The 20th amendment enacted on 14 February 2012 focused on ensuring free and fair elections while the 21st amendment on 7 January 2015, established military courts for speedy trials in the aftermath of the APS Peshawar attack.

The 22nd Amendment enacted on 8 June 2016, empowered the Chief Election Commissioner and redefined the structure of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

On January 7, 2017, the 23rd constitutional amendment re-established military courts for two more years until 6 January 2019.

The 24th amendment enacted on 22 December 2017 reallocated National Assembly seats based on the provisional results of the 2017 Census of Pakistan and allowed boundary updates for constituencies.

The 25th amendment, enacted on 31 May 2018 merged the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

The 26th Amendment increased the National Assembly seats to 12 and of the provincial assembly to 24 of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas enacted on 13 May 2019. The constitutional amendment was passed by NA in May 2019 but was not passed by the Senate.

It is pertinent to note that the current constitutional amendment would be called be amendment if passed from Parliament. 

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders "outraged" during the parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad over the decision to postpone the rally originally scheduled for August 22.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Founder Imran Khan on Monday warned of nationwide protests if Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa is granted an extension through constitutional amendments.

Speaking from Adiala Jail -  where he is currently detained - Khan expressed his vehement opposition to any such move, stating that it would lead to unrest across the country.

"Any attempt to amend the constitution to extend the tenure of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will be met with fierce resistance. I will not hesitate to call for nationwide protests," Khan said during his interaction with journalists.

He further lamented the current state of affairs, claiming that Pakistan’s situation is worse than that of Bangladesh. "In Bangladesh, the army did not turn its guns on its people. The same should hold for Pakistan; the people are already simmering with discontent."

Former premier accused the current government of manipulating the constitution, stating that the law is being bent to serve political interests. He directed his party to prepare for a street movement, drawing parallels to the rule of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that her government-controlled key institutions to suppress opposition.

Referring to the crackdown on PTI following the May 9 incidents, Khan claimed that his party had been systematically targeted. "Our leadership was either jailed or forced into hiding.

This was a calculated move to weaken our party ahead of the elections," he said, adding that despite these efforts, PTI remains a formidable force with significant public support.

Khan also took a jibe at the failure to implement Supreme Court decisions, particularly regarding the allocation of reserved seats, stating that this is a blatant violation of the constitution.

He warned that continued disregard for the judiciary's rulings would compel him to launch a mass movement.

"I was initially hesitant to call for protests, considering the fragile state of the economy. However, the current government’s intentions to secure a two-thirds majority and potentially extend the tenure of the Chief Justice have left me with no choice. The people are no longer afraid; they are ready to take to the streets, even if it means facing imprisonment or worse," he declared.

Adviser to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has underscored the need for respecting opposing opinions in politics and a functional judicial system that can hold individuals accountable for their actions.

Speaking on the Samaa News program ‘Mere Sawal’, he highlighted the shortcomings of Pakistan’s judicial system, citing the lack of punishment for those involved in the May 9 incidents.

The adviser compared Pakistan’s judicial process unfavorably with that of England, noting that punishments there are delivered swiftly, whereas, in Pakistan, delays are common, with lawyers sometimes failing to appear for weeks.

He argued that the justice system’s sluggishness contributes to a broader crisis of accountability.

Rana Sanaullah also pointed out that the May 9 events had external influences, alleging involvement of enemy intelligence agencies and stressing the need for thorough investigations by the Supreme Court.

He suggested that if necessary, amendments to the constitution or military courts might be required to address the situation effectively.

The adviser stressed that the Supreme Court should take charge of investigations and, if necessary, amend the constitution to ensure justice is served. He also suggested that the apex court should also decide about the military.

The PML-N leader expressed frustration that individuals and institutions are not taking responsibility for their actions, instead trying to do each other's work. He criticised the lack of accountability and suggested that if the judiciary and other institutions do not perform their roles adequately, the problems facing the nation will persist.

He stressed the importance of all state pillars fulfilling their responsibilities to resolve these issues and ensure justice.

Independent Senator Faisal Vawda declared on Sunday that Parliament will stand against the Supreme Court's decision regarding reserved seats, asserting the legislative body's authority in constitutional matters.

Speaking on Samaa TV's program "Mere Sawaal" Vawda emphasised that while the judiciary's role is to interpret the constitution, any amendments or changes fall under Parliament's jurisdiction.

"Parliament is not a rubber stamp," Vawda stated, "We will defend the constitution and stand against the decision."

The senator outlined a four-phase process involving the Election Commission, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Parliament, and the President of Pakistan. He highlighted that the Speaker has constitutional immunity and can exercise significant authority, while the President also holds considerable powers in this context.

Vawda criticised the Supreme Court's ruling, suggesting it has introduced ambiguity into the constitution, complicating its interpretation and application.

He expressed concern over the lack of a robust accountability system, lamenting the absence of a punitive framework that he believes is necessary for national improvement.

"This country is in a tragic state; without a system of punishment, no progress can be made. We've handed the country to players, and democracy's funeral has been held," he remarked.

The senator's comments come amid ongoing debates over the balance of power between Pakistan's judiciary and legislature, raising questions about the future of constitutional governance in the country.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto stressed on Sunday the inevitability of judicial reforms and the urgent need for politicians to come together to tackle the nation's challenges.

Speaking at a seminar in Lahore regarding the Bhutto reference, Bilawal Bhutto stressed the PPP's adherence to most aspects of the Charter of Democracy, with only judicial reforms remaining unaddressed.

 He acknowledged the government's endeavours to introduce constitutional amendments for judicial reform and emphasized parliament's pivotal role in leading such initiatives.

Bilawal Bhutto lamented the deterioration of politics in Pakistan into personal animosity, where dissenting views are disregarded.

He underscored the PPP's dedication to democratic progress and expressed concern over the reluctance of politicians to collaborate, which impedes effective problem-solving.

Reflecting on the PPP's contributions to Pakistan's constitutional framework, including the Constitution of 1973 and the 18^th Amendment, Bilawal Bhutto reiterated the party's willingness to take necessary steps for systemic improvement.

The former foreign minister stressed the imperative for politicians to prioritize national interests over personal agendas, advocating for a departure from divisive politics.

Bilawal Bhutto highlighted the PPP's resilience in the face of criticism during election campaigns, noting the subsequent adoption of similar approaches by other governments as evidence of the party's success.

 He urged politicians to transcend self-interest and focus on collective efforts towards Pakistan's betterment, rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has revealed plans for a series of constitutional amendments once the coalition government, led by his party, comes into power.

In a special conversation with Samaa TV, Senator Siddiqui outlined key changes, including the abolition of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and caretaker governments through constitutional amendments. 

Senator Siddiqui emphasized the importance of protecting the local government system and restoring articles 62 and 63 to their original form. He indicated that these amendments are part of the coalition government's agenda to address pressing issues within the constitutional framework.

Furthermore, Senator Siddiqui highlighted the immediate priority of seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the first step upon assuming power. This move suggests the government's commitment to addressing economic challenges and stabilizing the country's financial situation.

Expressing optimism, Senator Siddiqui also spoke about his expectations from President Asif Ali Zardari, stating that the PPP leader could play a crucial role in ending political polarization. His remarks reflect the coalition government's intent to foster cooperation and unity among political stakeholders for the betterment of the country.

As the PML-N prepares to assume power, these proposed constitutional amendments and strategic initiatives signal the government's commitment to enacting meaningful reforms and addressing critical issues facing Pakistan.