The news summary you provided likely refers to a significant constitutional or legal amendment being passed by Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Amendment Passage: The National Assembly is ready to pass an important amendment after it was approved by the Senate. This indicates a major legislative development.
- BNP-M ‘Defectors’: Two members from the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) broke ranks and voted in favor of the bill, a move that might suggest internal political realignments.
- PTI Criticism: Leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are calling the passage of this bill a “Black Day” for democracy, signaling their strong opposition to the amendment.
- Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Role: The leader of JUI-F, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, is acknowledging that the amendment now looks very different from its original draft, which might imply significant negotiations or changes before its final form.
- Bilawal Bhutto’s Support: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of the PPP, is praising Fazlur Rehman’s role in securing the bill’s passage, highlighting cooperation between these political factions.
- Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) Expansion: The bill adds four lawmakers to the JCP, altering the composition of the body responsible for the appointment of judges.
- Chief Justice Selection: The amendment introduces a new parliamentary panel that will have the authority to select the Chief Justice of Pakistan, which is a major shift in the judiciary’s independence.
- Suo Motu Powers: The amendment appears to limit or reallocate the Supreme Court’s suo motu powers (the ability to take cases on its own accord) to be exercised by constitutional benches.
- Provincial Authority: Provinces are granted the ability to “activate” these constitutional benches through resolutions, indicating decentralization of certain judicial powers.
- Riba Elimination Clause: A clause concerning the elimination of riba (interest) has been inserted on the suggestion of the JUI-F, reflecting their influence in promoting Islamic financial principles.
The bill appears to be a comprehensive reform affecting Pakistan’s judiciary, with political, constitutional, and religious dimensions.
After weeks of political maneuvering and discussions, the government successfully secured the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill from the Senate on Sunday. At the time of reporting, the National Assembly was close to passing the bill, with the government holding a two-thirds majority.
The PTI, which had earlier informed the JUI-F of its opposition to the bill, voted against it. Nonetheless, the Senate passed the bill with 65 votes, including two from BNP-M senators, Muhammad Qasim and Naseema Ehsan, who voted against their party’s stance.
The bill, introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, was supported by 23 PPP votes, 19 from the PML-N, and five from the JUI-F, whose leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman played a crucial role in achieving the necessary two-thirds majority. Additionally, four senators from BAP, three each from MQM-P and ANP, one each from the National Party and PML-Q, and four independent senators, including Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Mohsin Naqvi, Faisal Vawda, and Abdul Qadir, also voted in favor.
The National Assembly took up the bill after midnight, following the Senate’s approval. During the session, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari commended Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his efforts in ensuring the bill’s passage. Despite political differences, Bilawal emphasized that both parties were united in the national interest. He expressed regret over the shrinking political space but highlighted efforts to reach a broad consensus, including attempts to bring the opposition on board.
Bilawal revealed that, at JUI-F’s insistence, the PPP withdrew its proposal for a separate constitutional court. Addressing the PTI, Bilawal acknowledged their political success despite not voting for the bill, suggesting it could have been more collaborative if PTI had proposed amendments.
He criticized the judiciary for endorsing military takeovers and enabling dictators to alter the Constitution. Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that his party had initially opposed the draft bill, but significant changes were made before it was tabled in the Assembly.
PTI leaders expressed strong opposition, with National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub declaring the assembly illegitimate, calling it a product of rigged elections. He accused the PML-N of abandoning its “respect the vote” stance and adopting “respect the boot” instead. Ayub also alleged that PTI members were being offered bribes to support the bill and criticized the amendments for undermining the judiciary.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif countered the PTI’s claims, asserting that the amendments aimed to empower parliament and were consistent with the Charter of Democracy, endorsed by various parties, including the PTI. Asif praised the current Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, for restoring judicial integrity.
Several last-minute amendments were introduced in the Senate, including JUI-F’s proposals to ensure the elimination of riba (interest) by January 1, 2028, and reduce the required parliamentary support for referring matters to the Council of Islamic Ideology from 40% to 25%. Both amendments were unanimously passed. Additionally, the law minister introduced an amendment allowing provincial assemblies and the National Assembly (in the case of the Islamabad High Court) to pass resolutions establishing constitutional benches in their respective high courts.
Earlier in the day, the federal cabinet approved the bill’s draft in a special meeting, with strict security measures in place in both houses of parliament. Visitors were not permitted in the galleries during the proceedings.
