ISLAMABAD: The majority, except for the PTI, has agreed to alter the procedures for superior judges’ appointments. However, the special parliamentary committee still failed to evolve a consensus on the constitutional package, with the JUI-F advocating for a “constitutional bench” instead of a constitutional court proposed by the government.
The committee, which includes representatives from all parties, including the PTI, met for the second consecutive day on Saturday. Reports indicate that the constitutional package will be tabled in parliament by Oct 25.
A day after the PPP made its draft proposals public, the JUI-F shared its draft of proposed amendments with the committee chaired by PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah.
The committee will reconvene on Monday, hoping to achieve consensus. The chair has constituted a sub-committee to review drafts submitted by both the government and opposition parties.
The sub-committee, which includes Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Barrister Ali Zafar, PPP’s Farooq H. Naek, and JUI-F leader Kamran Murtaza, will provide its recommendations to the parliamentary committee.
A participant from the ruling coalition expressed optimism, suggesting a consensus document might be ready before Monday’s meeting, excluding the PTI.
PML-N senior leader Irfan Siddiqui, speaking to reporters after the meeting, claimed the committee was close to reaching a consensus on constitutional amendments, with key political parties aligning on major points. He emphasized the primary goal was to reach a consensus on these amendments.
Siddiqui noted positive developments in discussions with the JUI-F, highlighting the government’s draft, which incorporates suggestions from the legal community and bar associations, has been finalized. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also submitted a separate draft focused on local government reforms, aligning with broader constitutional amendments.
PPP-JUI Consensus
JUI-F leader Kamran Murtaza stated the primary difference between the JUI-F and PPP drafts is the constitutional court. The JUI-F proposed a constitutional bench instead, opposing a separate court for only 200 cases.
PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman, expressed efforts to bring the constitutional amendment with consensus. PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf echoed this sentiment, noting JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman suggested drafting a joint proposal with the PPP, to be shared soon. Ashraf reassured that progress was positive and the Oct 25 deadline was unrelated to the constitutional amendment discussions.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized dialogue’s importance in reaching a consensus on amendments. He indicated the constitutional amendment could be introduced after Oct 25, with ongoing discussions on four to five points in the committee.
Tarar clarified the deadline for the notification of the new Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) is Oct 24, typically issued a day or two before the appointment. The appointment notification of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa was issued earlier due to the caretaker government’s arrival.
PTI’s Stance
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar confirmed his party had not presented a draft, awaiting consultation with the founding chairman before submitting proposals.
An informed source disclosed the special parliamentary committee requested the PTI to cancel or delay its Oct 15 protest, but the PTI refused. PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan argued that harassment of PTI activists justified their constitutional right to protest.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui refuted this claim, recalling his own detention during the PTI government.
Unfinished Agenda
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari shared the PPP’s proposed constitutional amendments on social media, inviting public feedback. He emphasized completing the judicial reforms agenda outlined in the Charter of Democracy, proposing a Federal Constitutional Court with equal representation of all federating units. He also suggested ending the judge-appointment process by judges, advocating for merging judicial and parliamentary committees to give equal roles to parliament, judiciary, and the legal fraternity.
In a related development, the PPP and JUI-F discussed proposed constitutional amendments at Zardari House
