Government's Final Push for Constitutional Package in October

In a significant political development, the ruling parties in Pakistan are gearing up for a crucial second attempt to pass a controversial constitutional package in October. This comes after their initial efforts fell short of the required numerical strength in the National Assembly and the Senate. The political landscape is set to become increasingly dynamic as the government seeks to secure the necessary votes to push through this legislative agenda.

The focus of this ‘number game’ is primarily on the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), which holds eight votes in the National Assembly and five in the Senate. The absence of these votes during the first attempt highlighted the challenges faced by the ruling coalition in achieving a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s refusal to support the amendment related to the judiciary has raised eyebrows and contradicted the predictions of many political analysts.

As the government prepares for its second round of voting, political maneuvering is expected to intensify. The ruling party is likely to host various political gatherings, including lunch and dinner parties, to win over key figures, particularly Maulana Fazlur Rahman. The importance of independent candidates has also surged, as their support could be pivotal in ensuring the passage of the constitutional package.

Political experts are closely monitoring the situation, especially in light of recent dialogues between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Maulana Fazlur Rahman. These discussions may have laid the groundwork for potential compromises on the amendments. The return of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from his visit to the United States is anticipated to further energize the political scene, as he is expected to play a crucial role in rallying support for the government’s agenda.

Historically, Pakistan’s parliament has seen numerous constitutional amendments, but this particular package stands out due to its undisclosed nature. Unlike previous amendments, where smaller parties were courted for support, this time, only a select few from the ruling party had access to the draft. The current composition of the National Assembly, with 313 members excluding reserved seats, indicates that the government requires at least 224 votes to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority.

As the government prepares to reintroduce the draft, constitutional experts believe that a key focus will be on increasing the retirement age of Supreme Court judges. This amendment is particularly significant as it coincides with the impending retirement of the current Chief Justice of Pakistan on October 25, 2024. The government’s determination to pass this package before that date underscores the urgency of their efforts.

The upcoming political maneuvers in Pakistan’s parliament will be closely watched, as the ruling coalition makes a final attempt to secure the necessary votes for the constitutional package. The outcome of this legislative battle could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and governance. As citizens, it is essential to stay informed about these developments, as they directly impact the functioning of our democratic institutions and the rule of law in Pakistan.