Both the National Assembly and Senate convened on Sunday to debate the much-anticipated constitutional amendment aimed at setting a three-year tenure for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, among other reforms.
The sessions, initially scheduled for earlier times, were repeatedly delayed as the ruling coalition faced challenges in securing the necessary two-thirds majority in both houses.
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman became the key figure the government needed to secure support from lawmakers. The government approached him twice to win his backing.
Efforts began on Friday night when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met him, followed by government officials the next day.
Moreover, after the government team left Maulana’s house, the PTI delegation managed to meet with him and other JUI-F leaders just before midnight.
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Later, PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan told reporters he was hopeful about the meeting’s results, saying the delegation had explained the proposed changes to the JUI-F leaders.
In addition, PML-N leader Khawaja Asif expressed confidence in the government’s ability to gather the 224 votes needed, while opposition parties, including PTI and JUI-F, held last-minute negotiations. Despite speculation, the government denied claims that the amendments were designed to extend Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s tenure.
The tabling of the package, initially expected on Saturday, was delayed for ‘strategic reasons’ linked to difficulties in securing the required majority in the Senate.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar highlighted that the reforms would benefit the public collectively, not any individual. The government remains optimistic about passing the package despite the opposition’s cautious maneuvering, with the next steps hinging on securing crucial votes.
