The ruling alliance requires 224 votes to pass a constitutional amendment in the National Assembly but currently has the support of 211 members.
This shortfall puts pressure on the government to secure additional backing to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority.
Breakdown of govt seats in the National Assembly
The ruling benches have consisted of various political parties, with PML-N holding 111 seats and PPP occupying 69.
Other members of the coalition include MQM (22 seats), PML-Q (5 seats), and IPP (4 seats). Additionally, parties like Muslim League-Zia, Balochistan Awami Party, and National Party contribute one member each to the alliance.
However, three members of the ruling alliance are facing legal references, bringing the total active members down to 211.
Moreover, with the support of 8 members from JUI, the number increases to 219, leaving the government 5 votes short of the required 224 to pass the constitutional amendment.
Opposition’s position and govt strategy
On the opposition benches, the Sunni Ittehad Council holds 80 seats, while PTI-backed independents account for 8 members. Balochistan National Party, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party each have one member. The government needs two votes from the opposition to pass the amendment.
Senate approves 26th Constitutional Amendment
Earlier, the Senate passed the 26th Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority. The government received 58 votes in favor, with 5 votes from JUI and 2 from Balochistan National Party.
During the clause-by-clause approval process, members of PTI, Sunni Ittehad Council, and MWM walked out of the session.
The constitutional amendments will now be presented to the National Assembly, where the government will seek additional votes to ensure its passage.
