Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidential House to discuss proposed constitutional amendments and the current political climate.
This meeting on Thursday reflects a shift in strategy as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) reconsider their earlier plan to establish constitutional courts.
The draft of the 26th constitutional amendment was debated during a special parliamentary committee session chaired by Khursheed Shah. Sources indicate that the governing coalition and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) have decided against the amendment proposal to create constitutional courts.
Instead, they have unanimously agreed to form a constitutional bench.
The session ended with the government and JUI-F planning to engage with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on a joint draft. JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman is set to present the finalized draft to the PTI leadership, signalling the amendment process’s near completion.
Read: PML-N, PPP, and JUI-F Agree on Judicial Reforms
However, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Information Advisor, Barrister Saif, declared that PTI would legally and politically challenge the proposed amendment.
On Thursday, PTI lawmaker Barrister Saif criticized the government as “illegitimate,” accusing it of covertly trying to modify the constitution without public input.
PTI’s political committee has resolved to oppose the recent amendments and has called for a nationwide protest this Friday.
Read: PTI Announces Nationwide Protests Against Proposed 26th Constitutional Amendments
After Friday prayers, the parliamentary committee is scheduled to resume discussions on the draft.
Earlier today, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) proposals for the 26th constitutional draft were dismissed.
Amendments concerning local government powers and financing were also excluded from the draft.
Nonetheless, the ruling parties, PML-N and PPP, have persuaded MQM to accept their position. MQM has agreed that their suggestions will be considered in the forthcoming 27th constitutional amendment, aligning with the government’s proposals.
