In a significant breakthrough, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has pledged his party’s backing for the 26th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan’s parliament. The assurance follows successful negotiations, ending a deadlock between the government and JUI-F, as reported by Express News.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman instructed JUI-F senators to fully support the government’s bill in both the National Assembly and the Senate, emphasizing consensus after consultations. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed the development, reaffirming commitment to passing the amendment, regardless of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s stance.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a federal cabinet meeting where the 26th Constitutional Amendment bill received approval, a prerequisite under Pakistani law. Security measures were heightened at the National Assembly session, restricting entry to authorized media personnel only.
However, PTI opted to boycott the voting process in protest, as confirmed in a statement following their political committee meeting. This decision sets the stage for a pivotal legislative session aimed at constitutional reform.
The National Assembly session is set to commence at 6 pm, with the Senate convening earlier at 3 pm to deliberate on the amendment.
