Closer to consensus? Parliamentary committee meets again over constitutional amendments

In an ongoing effort to finalize the constitutional amendments, a special parliamentary committee convened its sixth in-camera session at Parliament House today. The session was chaired by senior PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah.

This crucial meeting saw the participation of key political figures, including representatives from the government, the opposition, and legal experts, as well as the submission of a significant constitutional draft by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F).

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Key participants and proposals

The meeting was attended by prominent figures such as PTI's Barrister Gohar, Omar Ayub, and Asad Qaiser, alongside JUI-F's Senator Kamran Murtaza and MNA Shahida Akhtar Ali.

Representing the PPP were Sherry Rehman and Naveed Qamar, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Senator Anusha Rehman participated on behalf of the government.

Farooq Sattar and Amin-ul-Haque joined the session from MQM among other coalition partners.

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A key highlight of the session was the presentation of JUI-F's 24-point constitutional amendment draft by Senator Kamran Murtaza.

The draft, developed under the guidance of party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, proposed the formation of a Supreme Court bench composed of the most senior judges to oversee constitutional matters, rather than establishing a separate constitutional court.

This proposal triggered extensive discussions within the committee, particularly regarding judicial reforms and the creation of constitutional courts.

Formation of sub-committee

A circular has been issued regarding the formation of an informal sub-committee to review draft constitutional amendments. The five-member sub-committee, chaired by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, will evaluate drafts from the government and other parties.

The sub-committee is expected to submit its report to the special committee within two days. Other members of the sub-committee include Naveed Qamar, Barrister Gohar, Anusha Rehman, and Kamran Murtaza. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has not been included in the sub-committee.

Heated remarks and reactions

Following the meeting, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza addressed the media, stating that his party's proposal emphasizes the formation of a Supreme Court (SC) bench instead of creating a large, costly setup like a constitutional court. He questioned the necessity of such an institution for overseeing 150 to 200 cases.On the other hand, PTI Senator Ali Zafar criticized the government's proposal, calling it a plan to create "dummy courts".

Zafar argued that the ruling coalition lacks the required numbers to pass the amendments, claiming that while there are differences in wording between the government and PPP drafts, the ultimate goal remains the same.

He accused the government of attempting to dismantle the judicial system by seeking to appoint the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court themselves.

Zafar added that the PTI has no objection to forming a Supreme Court bench but firmly opposes the idea of a court dominated by government-appointed judges.

In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar highlighted the formation of the sub-committee as a breakthrough in the ongoing discussions. He explained that the government is committed to reaching a consensus on the constitutional amendments, noting that while the process may take a few months, it could also be expedited if all parties cooperate.

PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman also defended the proposed constitutional court, countering claims that it would undermine the judiciary. She pointed out that in countries like the United States, the president nominates judges who are then vetted by a senate panel, suggesting that such practices are not unusual in commonwealth nations.

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Next steps

The sub-committee, formed during the meeting, will reconvene on Thursday, October 17, to continue its discussions on the proposed amendments. While a meeting of the special committee was initially scheduled for Tuesday, it has now been moved to Sunday (tomorrow).

The political landscape remains tense as all eyes turn to the upcoming sessions, where key developments on the future of Pakistan’s constitutional amendments are expected.

SC to hear plea challenging amendments

Earlier today, the SC formed a three-member bench to hear a petition challenging the constitutional amendments that the government has been wanting to pass for the past month.

The bench will be presided over by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and includes justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Shahid Bilal Hassan as the other members.

The bench will convene on October 17 to hear the plea, filed by former Supreme Court Bar President Abid Zuberi.