Efforts to Pass Constitutional Amendments Delayed as JUI-F Seeks More Time
Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui revealed that the government’s attempt to table the much-debated constitutional amendments has been “postponed indefinitely.”
Speaking to Geo News on Monday, Siddiqui stated that the delay stems from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s justified concerns, though he did not oppose the amendments on principle.
According to Siddiqui, Maulana Fazl agrees with certain amendments but requires more time to thoroughly review the draft. The government has been trying to secure his support, but despite several meetings, it has struggled to address Fazl’s objections, particularly regarding the proposal to extend judges’ tenure or increase their retirement age.
In a bid to reach an agreement, multiple political figures, including federal ministers and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as well as a delegation from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), met with Maulana Fazl on Sunday. However, the efforts have yet to yield a final resolution.
The political dialogue continued into the night, with former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, Convener and Secretary of the recently launched Awaam Pakistan Party, visiting Fazl’s residence. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who also served as a former caretaker prime minister, were among the others who engaged with Maulana Fazl as part of the ongoing discussions.
The ruling alliance remains locked in efforts to build consensus on the constitutional package amid political negotiations.