The government is optimistic about securing Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s support for a proposed constitutional amendment package, despite the JUI-F’s opposition to any legislation benefiting Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Senior PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticized the JUI-F for playing politics, stating that the issue of CJP Isa is closed.
The proposed package aims to increase the number of Supreme Court judges, fix the chief justice’s term to three years, and establish a constitutional court. While the government is in talks with Maulana Fazl, the PPP delegation has also met with him to discuss key points of the package.
Rana Sanaullah emphasized the need for consensus on fundamental rights amendments and the importance of securing support from allies. The government’s failure to secure the necessary votes in parliament highlights the challenges faced in passing the legislation.
With ongoing discussions and negotiations, the government remains hopeful of reaching a consensus on the constitutional amendments, ensuring Maulana Fazl’s support for key elements of the package.
Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2024