ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has declined to support the government’s proposal. The proposal aimed to extend the tenure or increase the retirement age of judges. His refusal has placed the government’s constitutional amendment package in jeopardy.
This move has become a significant hurdle for the ruling coalition. The government had been hoping to gather enough support to pass major changes to the judicial and parliamentary systems. Now, without Fazlur Rehman’s backing, their efforts are stalled.
Sources say the opposition parties, including PTI, have shown conditional support for the formation of a constitutional court. However, they are divided on the issue of extending judges’ tenures. The disagreement has caused further delays.
A special parliamentary committee meeting was held to discuss the proposed amendment package. After several rounds of consultations, the meeting ended without any agreement. No consensus was reached on the key issues.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly session, originally scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, faced delays. After consultations between the government and the opposition, it finally began late at night. However, it was quickly adjourned until Monday. Similarly, the Senate meeting was also deferred to Monday.
The federal cabinet meeting, which was summoned to approve the draft amendment, was postponed as well. Sources indicate that the amendment bill is expected to be presented in parliament soon.
The federal capital was busy on Sunday. Meetings between ruling and opposition party members took place throughout the day. The government is trying to introduce a constitutional package that would give it more control over judicial procedures. However, with JUI-F’s refusal, these efforts are faltering.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman played a central role in the discussions. The ruling coalition is pushing to pass the bill, while the opposition is trying to block it. Both sides are vying for Fazl’s support.
JUI-F General Secretary Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri spoke to journalists outside Fazl’s residence. He stated that JUI-F had not yet received the draft of the amendment. “How can we vote before analyzing it?” he asked.
In pursuit of securing the necessary votes for a constitutional amendment, government officials visited Fazl’s residence. Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar led the delegation. They discussed legal and constitutional matters in detail. Other notable attendees included Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Fazlur Rehman also met with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PTI leaders. These meetings were aimed at gauging support for the proposed amendment.
Speaking about the ongoing negotiations, JUI-F’s Kamran Murtaza said that the party is considering the government’s suggestions. However, they have not yet made any final decisions. He emphasized that all political parties, including PTI, should be taken into confidence before any constitutional amendment.
After a series of meetings, Maulana Fazlur Rehman arrived at Parliament House for a special parliamentary committee session. When asked about the outcomes, he told journalists to “stay tuned.”
The government is trying to secure the two-thirds majority needed to pass the constitutional amendment. In the National Assembly, they need 224 votes. In the Senate, they require 64 votes. However, despite claims by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif that they had enough support, the numbers remain elusive.
The constitutional package aims to bring major reforms to the judicial system. It includes proposals for the formation of a constitutional court and amendments to judges’ appointments. The ruling coalition remains hopeful but faces challenges due to the opposition’s divided stance and Fazlur Rehman’s critical decision to withhold support.