Strict security measures have been implemented for today’s session of Pakistan’s National Assembly. According to the Assembly’s spokesperson, guest entry has been strictly prohibited to ensure a smooth and secure process.
Only media representatives holding full-session press gallery cards issued by the Directorate General of Media, National Assembly Secretariat, will be granted entry into the Parliament House, as reported by Express News. In a move to tighten security, the issuance of one-day press gallery cards has been suspended. Cameramen entering Parliament through Gate 1 must be on pre-approved lists. Journalists covering the session are advised to carry their valid press gallery cards for access.
Read: 26th Amendment Bill Introduced in Senate Amid Political Tensions
Today’s National Assembly Agenda
The National Assembly has released its 9-point agenda for today’s session under strict security. Notably absent is the highly anticipated 26th Constitutional Amendment. However, the 2024 Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill is on the agenda and will be presented for approval. A call attention notice addressing widespread fraud and theft in General Sales Tax collection, submitted by members of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is also set for discussion.
The National Assembly session is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., while the Senate session will start earlier at 3 p.m.
Political Tensions Over Constitutional Amendments
Political discussions around the 26th Constitutional Amendment have been intense, with key meetings taking place in recent days. High-level political figures met at the Islamabad residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to finalize plans regarding the amendment. Participants in these meetings included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, and Balochistan National Party (Mengal) leader Akhtar Mengal.
Fazlur Rehman stated that the PTI had requested additional time to finalize its stance on the constitutional amendment. After receiving their response, the bill was expected to be presented in Parliament for a consensus vote.
PTI Announces Boycott of Constitutional Amendment Vote
Earlier today, the PTI announced its decision to boycott the voting process in both the National Assembly and Senate concerning the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The party’s political committee, following a meeting, issued a statement emphasizing that PTI would not take part in what it labeled a “non-transparent” and “controversial” process. PTI declared a complete boycott of the vote, intensifying the political standoff.
PPP Pushes for Constitutional Amendment
Yesterday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned the opposition that if his final attempt to convince them to vote for the 26th Constitutional Amendment failed, he would proceed with amending the Constitution using a two-thirds majority. He urged JUI-F lawmakers to support the amendment and encouraged the PTI to participate in the vote for the greater good of the nation.
“If my last attempt fails, we should pray for democracy, for the federation, for political stability, and for the integrity of Pakistan,” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, stressing the importance of this constitutional change.
The political situation surrounding the amendment remains fluid, with key developments expected during today’s National Assembly session.
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