Despite today being a designated holiday, both the Senate and the National Assembly will convene for their regular meetings. The agendas of the sessions have been issued.
The proposed constitutional amendment related to judicial reforms is not officially on the agenda for either house. However, it may be introduced as a side issue during the meetings.
The government’s push to legislate judicial reforms has reached a critical juncture. The Senate meeting is scheduled for 4pm at the Parliament House, focusing on a five-point agenda, while the National Assembly session will begin at 3pm with six items on its agenda.
Sources say the proposed constitutional amendment, which includes changes to articles 179 and 195 and a potential increase in the retirement age for government employees from 60 to 68 years, could be tabled as a supplementary agenda.
If approved, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa could remain in office for an additional three years. The government asserts that it has secured the necessary numbers in both houses for the amendment’s passage.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is actively involved in ensuring parliamentary support and has renewed efforts to secure votes from Maulana Fazlur Rahman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI). The government has contacted the Maulana once again to convince him on the constitutional amendment.
The JUI does not agree to an extension to the tenure of the chief justice's services, and Maulana Fazlur Rahman has once again rejected the legislation for certain individuals. He has also advised the government to introduce a package of judicial reforms.
Sources said any constitutional package will be tabled on the acceptance of Maulana Fazlur Rehman's proposals after the treasury has the required number of lawmakers in its support.
In preparation for the potential vote on a constitutional amendment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited lawmakers from coalition parties to a dinner at the Prime Minister's Office in the evening. This event aims to bolster support and ensure full attendance for the upcoming sessions of the House where the government is likely to present an important constitutional amendment. All coalition parliamentarians have been instructed to remain in Islamabad until Monday.
The government’s efforts to finalize the constitutional amendment will hinge on gaining the support of at least four more members, including those from JUI, to achieve a two-thirds majority. The amendment is anticipated to be presented in parliament on Sunday, contingent upon the outcome of current negotiations and the support secured.
