Constitutional package 'unanimously approved' by parliamentary committee [Post Updated #105]

[Pakpak]

The government has deferred the tabling of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024 in the National Assembly as its hectic efforts fell short of evolving a consensus on the amendment on Sunday.

The sitting of the National Assembly, which was to start at 11:30am on Sunday, was delayed twice till 4pm and then till 10pm. However, soon after the start of the proceedings at 11pm, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq adjourned the House to meet again at 12:30pm on Monday (today).

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose was at the centre of most activities till Sunday night, Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari, Omar Ayub, Syed Khursheed Shah, who was chairing the meeting of Special Committee on Assembly’s Rules and other members of the committee present there, did not turn up for the brief proceedings, which were held as a formality.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, after the assembly session, also confirmed that the government could not secure the support of Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the constitutional amendment.

Asked whether numbers are complete for the amendment, the defence minister said, “Maulana have not supported us and the result will be known tomorrow.”

Khawaja Asif said it seemed that the numbers required for the passage of the constitutional amendment were not complete.

Meanwhile, PMLN President Nawaz Sharif reached Islamabad from Lahore in a hurry in the evening, and went back in the night without attending any important meeting. The episode upset the PMLN workers, according to party sources.

Sources said Maulana Fazlur Rehman refused to support a couple of clauses of the ‘constitutional package’, including extension in judges’ tenure and increase in their retirement age, leaving the government-proposed constitutional amendment hanging in the balance.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, while ruling out the passage of constitutional amendment in near future, said his party would require at least to go through the draft of the amendment.

The remarks of Haideri gave the impression that the government’s effort to get the constitutional amendment passed had fizzled out. “Had it been the government’s draft, they would have shared it with us,” he said.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who attended the meeting of the special committee, also strongly proposed that the move to table the Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024 should be deferred.

The government having 214 MNAs on treasury benches, was in dire need of securing the support of eight members of the JUIF to get close to the required number of 224.

Sources said the prime minister also contacted Akhtar Mengal, but he demanded draft of the amendment and conditioned his party’s support with the recovery of missing persons in Balochistan.

The Senate session, which was also scheduled to meet on Sunday, was adjourned to meet at 11:30am on Monday. The federal cabinet, which was also scheduled to meet on Sunday to approve the constitutional package, would also hold its meeting on Monday.

The government delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, earlier, met Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence twice to muster his party’s support. In the first meeting, Ishaq Dar was accompanied by Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar and Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi. JUIF Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Aslam Ghori and Mir Usman Badeni assisted Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the meeting.

After the second meeting held later in the night, Maulana Haideri told the media they had sought the draft of the constitutional amendment from the government. “We have told the government to defer tabling of constitutional amendment in the National Assembly,” he said.

The PTI delegation comprising the opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan and Barrister Gohar also visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The parliamentary party of JUIF also met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the chair. It exchanged views on different matters related to the proposed constitutional amendment.

A meeting of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Parliamentary Party was also held with MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in the chair. It discussed different aspects related to constitutional matters.

Sources said the government’s main focus in the constitutional amendment package, containing 22 clauses, was the formation of a constitutional court to deal with matters relating to the Constitution. The bill proposes amendments to Articles 51, 63, 175, 181 and 187 of the Constitution of Pakistan. It also includes an amendment to increase the representation of Balochistan Assembly from 65 seats to 81.

It also proposes the formation of a constitutional court — which the draft says will hear the petitions related to Articles 184, 185 and 186. The remaining four judges of the constitutional court would also be appointed by the government, sources added. The inter-provisional transfer of high court judges has also been proposed.

Another important amendment proposed in the bill sought the appointment of chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) through a five-member panel comprising top court judges. A merger of the judicial commission and parliamentary party is also sought in the bill, which will be responsible for selection of judges.

The key points of the constitutional package also include an amendment to Article 63-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, which deals with the issue of disqualification of members of parliament on grounds of defection.

The prospects of the said constitutional package come amid speculations revolving around an extension in the tenure of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa — who is set to retire in October this year — after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sought an early issuance of notification regarding the next top judge last month.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif asserted that they had achieved the magic numbers in both upper and lower houses of parliament for the passage of the much-touted constitutional amendment. In response to a question regarding the Supreme Court’s clarification on reserved seats verdict issued a day earlier, the defence minister said: “We will be successful despite the apex court’s statement favouring the opposition.”

“Apart from Maulana Fazl and coalition parties, some other votes will be secured,” the federal minister hoped without divulging details. “They are not legally or constitutionally bound to any party.” He castigated the July 12 reserved seats verdict, terming the apex court’s decision ‘an attempt’ to block the way for the constitutional amendment.

Separately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan alleged that the government was making amendments in the dark of the night, billing it an attempt to weaken the judiciary. Speaking to the media in the Parliament House, he said the meeting was about to start and no one had seen the bill. “The government has not shared the bill with us even today. The government also did not say that voting should be held today,” he said in reply to a question.

He said the Supreme Court gave a very strong decision yesterday, adding that no suggestion from Maulana Fazlur Rehman was implemented. “We only heard and did not give any suggestion; there was an in-camera discussion of the committee,” he added.

At one stage, the PTI leaders came out of the special committee meeting, as Leader of Opposition Omar Ayub claimed the special committee was powerless. He claimed the committee had no mandate to bring about the constitutional amendment.

Meanwhile, in a message on his X account, the opposition leader contended that the special committee had no mandate to bring constitutional amendments, after the illegal arrest of PTI MNAs on Sept 10 by the agents of agencies.

Earlier in the day, talking to journalists after the special committee meeting, Gohar said two of their MNAs were not in touch with them. “If the votes of our members with whom we are not in touch are cast, then we will not accept them. This committee has no job to discuss the law; we have not given any suggestion to the committee,” he added.

To a question, he said he could not tell what happened in the committee. “The law minister briefed us, whereas the bill is not with anyone at the moment,” he added.

Separately, Fazl also held meetings with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who was flanked by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Aijaz Jakhrani.

The JUIF chief also met PTI leaders Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Senator Shibli Faraz, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser.

Speaking on Fazl’s high-stakes interactions, JUIF’s Kamran Murtaza said: “There have been some suggestions from the government which will be discussed with the party leaders.”

“All parties including the PTI should be taken into confidence on constitutional amendment,” he said, adding that the party would consider suggestions that it deems to be good.

Speaking to journalists at the Parliament House, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar ruled out any “person specific” legislation, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensure speedy justice for the people of Pakistan.

He attributed the delay in tabling of the constitutional package to ‘ongoing broad political consultation’, saying that JUIF chief Maulana Fazl was holding consultation with opposition lawmakers on “each clause of the proposed amendments”.

“It is difficult to proceed until extensive consultation is completed,” he said, noting that efforts were being made to reach a consensus.

Furthermore, Tarar said that it was decided in the Charter of Democracy that speedy justice would be ensured for the people of Pakistan. He also said that efforts were afoot to make progress today. The minister said the government did not intend to create misunderstanding on the clauses proposed in the amendment bill. “Once amendments are tabled in parliament, voting will be held on each clause separately,” he added.

Earlier, the minister said that reforms were overdue to give the people of Pakistan access to speedy justice, assuring that any legislation was to be done in the collective interest of the nation.

The minister remarked that many decades had passed with several cases awaiting trials and it was imperative to take measures for providing speedy justice to the people. He said that all coalition parties had representation in the special committee constituted for this purpose.

“The government is positive about the numbers game,” he said, adding that JUIF chief was an old ally and partner of the ruling coalition. He asked the media to wait for a short while to get good news in this regard.

The key aspect of the constitutional amendment is that unlike any other legislation, the government will need to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament to successfully execute it. In the lower house, the ruling coalition needs 224 votes to pass the constitutional amendment, whereas in the Senate the number stands at 64.

Currently, treasury benches have 211 members against the opposition’s 101 MNAs meaning that the government needs 13 more votes to pass the said constitutional amendment.

The ruling coalition comprises the PML-N (110), PPP (68), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (22), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (four), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (four), Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (one), Awami National Party (one) and Balochistan Awami Party (one).

The opposition comprises 80 MNAs of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) which are supported by PTI-backed independent lawmakers.

The JUIF has eight members in the NA, whereas Balochistan National Party, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and Majlis-e-Wahdat-Muslimeen (MWM) have one MNA each in the NA. The ruling benches of the Senate, as per the publication, comprise PPP (24), PML-N (19), BAP (4) and MQM-P (3) in addition to four independent senators.

The total strength of the ruling benches stands at 54 as the government is short of nine votes in the Senate to pass the constitutional amendment.

As for the opposition benches in the Senate, PTI holds 17 seats, JUI-F (5) and ANP (3), while SIC, MWM, BNP, National Party and PML-Q have one seat each.

In addition to this, there is an independent senator on the opposition benches with the total number of opposition senators standing at 31.

CJP’s appointment from panel of five proposed in amendment bill

ISLAMABAD: The government has deferred the tabling of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024 in the National Assembly as its hectic efforts fell short of evolving a consensus on the amendment on...

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Top lawyers oppose constitutional amendment bill

Senior lawyers have reacted sharply to the proposed constitutional package and called upon Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to stay away from the controversy.

In a statement on Sunday, Muneer A. Malik and Faisal Siddiqi, advocates Supreme Court, urged CJP Isa to relinquish his robes with honour on Oct 25, 2024, and said that Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah will deservedly be the de jure CJP on the dawn of Oct 26.

They also asked CJP Isa not to be a nominee for any appointment for any proposed constitutional court or bench.

They recalled that they had acted either as counsels for CJP Isa, or publicly supported him through their writings against the unconstitutional and mala fide presidential reference filed against then-Justice Isa.

They called the government move an unprecedented assault on the Constitution and Supreme Court and the High Courts through a dubious and questionable constitutional amendments package.

Amendments made to the Constitution do not lie in the domain of a parliament that lacks national legitimacy, they said, adding, “We therefore urge the legal fraternity and the judiciary to resist and reject these”.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Shehzad Shaukat expressed surprise as to why the government is getting so secretive on the constitutional package and not bringing it to the designated forums for proper discussion, making the whole nation speculate on the issue.

In a statement, he pointed out that the SCBA is unlikely to oppose the proposed amendment if it is related only to the institution of a constitutional court which, he says, is necessary to check the unusual delay in the adjudication of cases of common people only because the Supreme Court is mostly engaged in hearing of cases of political nature.

He recalled that even PTI leader Imran Khan and JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman were signatories to the Charter of Democracy in 2006 that had called for setting up the federal constitutional court.

However, he declared, they would resist if the government tried to enhance the retirement age of judges or made any person-specific constitutional amendment as the Supreme Court had already declared null and void person-specific legislation.

Senior lawyer Khurram Chughtai said the nation is yet to overcome the errors of “constitutional patchwork” done through the 18th Amendment which was discussed by senior jurists and parliamentarians of various parties for a whole year before it was introduced, while the incumbent government is making “non-serious” efforts to introduce another constitutional package drafted by the likes of Tarar.

“At a time when parliament is incomplete because of reserved seats issue and results of elections of many constituencies are controversial, a government that cannot even appoint law secretary despite the Supreme Court orders is attempting to pass a constitutional amendment, which has far-reaching effects, without a threadbare discussion on it in the house committees and other forums,” he regretted.

Asad Jamal, another lawyer, said if election to the highest constitutional office of presidency could be held by the same “incomplete” parliament, then there was no harm in getting the constitutional amendment passed by the same house.

Top lawyers oppose constitutional amendment bill

Muneer A. Malik and Faisal Siddiqi urge CJP Isa to retire on Oct 25; SCBA president expresses surprise over secrecy.

www.dawn.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

All main constitutional amendments in new bill unveiled​

The draft of the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill has been unveiled, while the government struggles to garner enough support in parliament to introduce changes to various articles of the Constitution.

The sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate were set to re-convene today, as the government continued its efforts to table crucial judiciary-focused constitutional amendments. However, in a setback, the federal cabinet's meeting scheduled for 10:30am today to approve the draft law on judicial reforms, has been postponed.

It is being said that the meeting was postponed as Maulana Fazlur Rehman refused to extend support to the bill.

Following are the main amendments proposed to various articles of the Constitution:

- Article 48: The proposed amendment states that no court, tribunal, or authority will be allowed to inquire into the advice sent by the cabinet or the prime minister to the president.

- Article 63A: Under this amendment, a member's vote will be counted even if they vote against the direction of their parliamentary party.

- Article 78: A federal constitutional court is proposed to be established through this amendment. This court will handle constitutional matters.

- Article 175A: Judges of high courts and Shariat courts will be appointed by a commission headed by the chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court. The commission will include two senior-most judges of the constitutional court, the chief justice of Pakistan, and two senior-most judges.

The law minister, attorney general, a senior advocate, and two members of the National Assembly and Senate will also be part of the commission.

- For the appointment of judges to the Federal Constitutional Court, the commission will include three additional judges of the constitutional court instead of the chief justice of Pakistan and judges of the Supreme Court.

- For appointments to the Supreme Court, the CJP will head the commission, as well as five Supreme Court judges.

- The chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court will be appointed on the recommendation of an eight-member National Assembly committee, which will nominate one of the three most senior judges of the court. The prime minister will forward this recommendation to the president.

- The same committee of the National Assembly will recommend the appointment of the chief justice of the Supreme Court, which will nominate one of the three most-senior judges of the court for the position. The committee will send the name to the prime minister on whose advice the president will appoint the CJP.

- The first chief justice of the constitutional court will be appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister, while the appointments of first constitutional court judges will be made by the president in consultation with the chief Justice.

- Judges from all four provinces will have equal representation in the Federal Constitutional Court.

- The term 'chief justice of Pakistan' will be replaced with 'chief justice of the Supreme Court'. Only Pakistani citizens can be appointed as judges of the Supreme Court or the Constitutional Court; no dual citizens are eligible.

- Judges of the Constitutional Court will retire at the age of 68.

- The tenure for a Supreme Court judge serving in the Constitutional Court will be three years. The term for the chief justices of both the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court will also be limited to three years.

Details of all constitutional amendments revealed

The draft of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill has been revealed, proposing significant changes to the judiciary and various articles of the Constitution. The federal cabinet meeting to approve the bill has been postponed due to lack of support from Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

www.samaa.tv

 

[Pakpak]

Summary:

They want to create a new court called the Constitutional court, who's decisions can't be challenged or changed, who's judge will be appointed by the PM (Army chief), who can decide whatever law they want, there is also a law for army to collect taxes from its cantonments from locals (like occupying armies do), judges can be transferred at any point without recourse, the corrupt ECP chief can continue beyond Jan even though he's meant to retire.

Its the lowest and most disgusting bill I have seen. All enabled by PMLN and PPP.

Grotesque. Oh to add, yesterday sources said they want to appoint Qazi Eesa to this court.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Think there needs to be a poll on this thread, I’m tryna see whether the liberal Pakistanis support this or not?

 

[Pakpak]

Think there needs to be a poll on this thread, I’m tryna see whether the liberal Pakistanis support this or not?

I am a liberal and my post is above.

Its also not the liberal Pakistanis responsible for the destruction of our country. PMLN are not liberals. Nor are PPP. PPP's disgusting feudal brutalities, cities run like kingdoms with their police chiefs are not any liberal values. Molana Diesel, who's party enabled IK's gov to be dismissed is also not a liberal. He can be dhoodh ka dhoola hua now because his own party told him they will not support him in this 'amendment'.

 

[Arzy8]

utter, utter insanity. Shame on all who have brought us to this point and shame on those who support this madness.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Think there needs to be a poll on this thread, I’m tryna see whether the liberal Pakistanis support this or not?

Polls added

 

[Kianig89]

The conscience awakening will happen, hopefully their plan will not be executed, baap ki jageer ha ye.

Reports lawyers movement from 19/9 starting

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Its also not the liberal Pakistanis responsible for the destruction of our country. PMLN are not liberals. Nor are PPP.

Most of the supporters of these 2 parties would call themselves “liberals”, they turn a blind eye to everything their party does to destroy democracy in the country.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the National Assembly on Monday that a controversial ‘Constitutional Package’ has not been presented before the federal cabinet yet

The package is a set of amendments to the Constitution, one of which will aim to fix the tenure of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years.

The legislation was previously expected to be introduced in the National Assembly and the Senate today, after the government failed to table it over the weekend as previously scheduled despite hectic efforts to garner the required support.

Speaking on the floor of the lower house, Tarar said the proposed amendments had “not yet been presented before the federal cabinet as a draft nor in the CCLC (Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases)”.

As per procedure, a constitutional amendment first needs to be cleared by the federal cabinet.

While the Senate session scheduled for 12:30pm convened today and was later prorogued, Radio Pakistan reported, the NA session began at around 1pm.

Source: Dawn News

 

[Kianig89]

Balochistan Bar Council has rejected the constitutional ammendment citing it as a ploy for extension of QFE and to ridicule the courts.

 

[Bewal Express]

We knew all along that they these thugs have no interest in the development of PK or the rule of law. This is the destruction of the independence of the Judiciary led by Isa, retarded Mistry and the puppets. Bilawal followed in his grandfathers steps and laid down at the footsteps of dictators and NS. All the speeches about civilian rule were just lies.

 

[Bewal Express]

The conscience awakening will happen, hopefully their plan will not be executed, baap ki jageer ha ye.

Reports lawyers movement from 19/9 starting

The lawyers just look for $$$$ and only dont care. Ever since the regime change they have become a mafia front.

 

[Bewal Express]

Think there needs to be a poll on this thread, I’m tryna see whether the liberal Pakistanis support this or not?

off course they do. Do you need to ask the question about the Munafiqs.

 

[Savak]

PPP and PML N are idiots and cannot forsee the fact that these amendments will later come back to bite them should they get on the wrong side of the establishment.

The survival of the country is at stake now.

 

[Bewal Express]

PK is facing its most dangerous moment since 1971. Is this a declaration of war on the few rights PK had left. This is what happens when criminals reach the top and hold on for dear life when they are hated by the PK people. NS chose the retarded Mistry as his henchmen, he chose a corrupt compromised CJP and here we are with total destruction of the Constitution.

 

[JaDed]

PPP and PML N are idiots and cannot forsee the fact that these amendments will later come back to bite them should they get on the wrong side of the establishment.

The survival of the country is at stake now.

PTI were idiots too, they only revolted when it came to bite them.

 

[JaDed]

PK is facing its most dangerous moment since 1971. Is this a declaration of war on the few rights PK had left. This is what happens when criminals reach the top and hold on for dear life when they are hated by the PK people. NS chose the retarded Mistry as his henchmen, he chose a corrupt compromised CJP and here we are with total destruction of the Constitution.

It has been consistently facing these moments, the entire history of PK seems to be of these moments but they somehow make it through, not coz resilience but coz some Money governing body in the world ends up supporting Pak and rolling over loans.

Pak’s current ‘external’ Debt is 132 Billion $..

 

[Pakpak]

PTI were idiots too, they only revolted when it came to bite them.

There is not a single pathetic amendment, never mind on this scale, that PTI ever voted on.

Forget PTI, I am reading many PMLN and PPP senators/MNAs are missing too either kidnapped by the estb for a vote or have refused to take part. This is how awful this 'amendment' is.

 

[Bewal Express]

It has been consistently facing these moments, the entire history of PK seems to be of these moments but they somehow make it through, not coz resilience but coz some Money governing body in the world ends up supporting Pak and rolling over loans.

Pak’s current ‘external’ Debt is 132 Billion $..

It's a powder keg and your never know what might light the fuse. This is just destruction to keep The retarded Mistry and his puppets in power. The fact that none of the MNAs knew what they voting for and neither NS and or Billo knew what was in the bill tells you all you need to know

 

[Bewal Express]

PTI were idiots too, they only revolted when it came to bite them.

What? What? Explain

 

[JaDed]

What? What? Explain

My bad I meant in supporting the Establishment.

 

[RexRex]

My bad I meant in supporting the Establishment.

Imran was being tactical in supporting the Establishment; he did eventually try to undermine them but their army chief was smart and decided to overthrow him albeit legally. IK deserves plaudits for the attempt.

 

[Bewal Express]

My bad I meant in supporting the Establishment.

No doubt mistakes were made but this is next level. But IK won elections without support in 2013, 18 and 24. In 13 and 23 they actively stopped but in 18 they didn't

 

[Kianig89]

So it is clear that no1 is toying with consti. and that he has only bought disgrace humiliation and reputational damage to inst. , in this situation there is a provision that JCS can incapitate Coas but the big question is does the former has guts to three out the latter

 

[Savak]

No sane patriotic individual with an ounce of integrity can vote for these amendments. This is just legalizing the permanent martial law imposition on the entire country apparatus.

 

[psyoptica]

PPP and PML N are idiots and cannot forsee the fact that these amendments will later come back to bite them should they get on the wrong side of the establishment.

The survival of the country is at stake now.

On the contrary, the amendment will enable them to rule indefinitely. The next PM will be Bilalwal and Maryam after him and so on. They will make sure all their adversaries have been removed from existence. No one can serve the establishment better than pmln and pppp.

 

[Bewal Express]

On the contrary, the amendment will enable them to rule indefinitely. The next PM will be Billi and Maryam after him and so on. They will make sure all their adversaries have been removed from existence. No one can serve the establishment better than pmln and pppp.

They created both and both are now nationalised parties.

 

[Pakpak]

They created both and both are now nationalised parties.

And also this amendment had a clause where they can dissolve any political party.

Even IK at this point in every statement is begging people to come to the street. If even 20,000 turned outside Adiala it'd be a big statement.

 

[rpant_gabba]

Imran was being tactical in supporting the Establishment; he did eventually try to undermine them but their army chief was smart and decided to overthrow him albeit legally. IK deserves plaudits for the attempt.

He doesn't deserve a damn thing. He was a cheat in the cricket field, a fraud in life and oppurtunist politician.

He did do a service for India by turning Pak establishment on it citizens. It was a beautiful thing. RAW couldn't have hoped for anything better.

 

[Bewal Express]

He doesn't deserve a damn thing. He was a cheat in the cricket field, a fraud in life and oppurtunist politician.

He did do a service for India by turning Pak establishment on it citizens. It was a beautiful thing. RAW couldn't have hoped for anything better.

you are still bitter Just because he made your fascist leader look the idiot that he was. IK was a leader, your guy couldnt string a sentence together without he Teleprompter

 

[BouncerGuy]

Gandapur terms 26th Constitutional package draft as ‘attack on democracy’

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister criticized the federal government's constitutional amendment draft and said that those who call themselves democratic parties should be ‘ashamed’.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur termed the 26th constitutional amendment draft as an attack on democracy.

“Bringing such bills is a far-fetched thing. We conflict with the court. First, we will defeat them in parliament and then in the courts,” he said.

Gandapur said they will use all kinds of constitutional options for their legitimate rights.

“Passing such a bill is a far-fetched thing. In the future, no one will bother to present it,” the KP chief minister claimed.

SAMAA NEWS

 

[RexRex]

He doesn't deserve a damn thing. He was a cheat in the cricket field, a fraud in life and oppurtunist politician.

He did do a service for India by turning Pak establishment on it citizens. It was a beautiful thing. RAW couldn't have hoped for anything better.

You see everything in binary terms - either black or white .. in a world with numerous shades of grey.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

PTI’s Arif Alvi meets Fazlur Rehman to discuss proposed constitutional amendments​

Former president and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Arif Alvi met with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss the government's proposed constitutional amendments, a move seen as part of the broader efforts to break the deadlock over crucial political reforms.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Maulana Attaul Haq Darvesh, Maulana Asad Mahmood, Akhunzada Hussain, and Abdul Jalil Jan.

According to sources, the discussions focused on reviewing the proposed amendments aimed at reforming the constitutional framework. Alvi extended his congratulations to Fazlur Rehman for presenting his stance on the amendments during earlier parliamentary discussions.

The meeting came at a critical time, as the ruling PML-N-led coalition faces resistance in pushing through its secret constitutional amendment package. Fazlur Rehman, a key political ally in the past, has emerged as a significant obstacle, refusing to back the government's proposed amendments despite intense lobbying.

Sources disclosed that PTI founder Imran Khan had given Alvi a special task, potentially signalling that the PTI is closely monitoring developments and may seek to influence the outcome.

The constitutional amendments, which have been shrouded in secrecy, aim to address a range of political and legal issues, including reforms to the judiciary and the process of appointments in higher courts. The amendments also seek to adjust the balance of power within the federal system.

Govt's setback and JUI-F's stance

The ruling coalition, led by PML-N, suffered a setback on Monday when its efforts to table the amendment bill collapsed after Fazlur Rehman refused to support the government's package. Despite marathon parliamentary sessions over the weekend, including back-to-back sittings of the National Assembly and Senate, the government failed to secure the required votes to pass the bill.

Fazlur Rehman has remained firm in his refusal, citing concerns over the secretive manner in which the government has handled the process. His party, JUI-F, holds crucial votes in both the National Assembly and the Senate, making his support essential for the coalition to pass the amendments. Without JUI-F’s backing, the government is unlikely to secure the two-thirds majority required to pass a constitutional amendment.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[Kianig89]

What's the next plan for PTI to protect against this draconian ammendment, Lahore Jalsa seems a distant dream so far no buzz, they cannot hedge on JUIF solely, no news regarding Lawyer movement.

The rats in PTI allegedly 5 or 6 MNAs should be shamed and humiliated

 

[Bewal Express]

What's the next plan for PTI to protect against this draconian ammendment, Lahore Jalsa seems a distant dream so far no buzz, they cannot hedge on JUIF solely, no news regarding Lawyer movement.

The rats in PTI allegedly 5 or 6 MNAs should be shamed and humiliated

Unless ths public come out in numbers this amendment will go ahead and the constitution will be torn into pieces by parties and a retarded mistry that have no support and have stolen an election with form 47s

 

[Bewal Express]

Relying on Diesel is like relying on a cat to resist the cream. He will pushing up his price until reaches the billions that he wants. We are in deep trouble and there is no way out

 

[HalBass9]

Unless ths public come out in numbers this amendment will go ahead and the constitution will be torn into pieces by parties and a retarded mistry that have no support and have stolen an election with form 47s

Not happening in Pakistan.

 

[HalBass9]

He doesn't deserve a damn thing. He was a cheat in the cricket field, a fraud in life and oppurtunist politician.

He did do a service for India by turning Pak establishment on it citizens. It was a beautiful thing. RAW couldn't have hoped for anything better.

A civilian ruled democratic Pakistan is more dangerous for Hindutva and India than a military ruled Pakistan. And it is just matter of time.

 

[rpant_gabba]

you are still bitter Just because he made your fascist leader look the idiot that he was. IK was a leader, your guy couldnt string a sentence together without he Teleprompter

You see everything in binary terms - either black or white .. in a world with numerous shades of grey.

Sure. A leader who managed to **** of the major benefactor of Pak: KSA, Benefactor/debtor: USA, Debtor/investor : china

Finds himself in conflict with the establishment which facilitated his ascension to power and locked up for good.

I'm not sure how this adds up to leadership.

 

[JaDed]

A civilian ruled democratic Pakistan is more dangerous for Hindutva and India than a military ruled Pakistan. And it is just matter of time.

It’s not because Civilian government cares about its people and business and economy, The establishment only cares about itself and its funding which is dependant upon anti-India.

 

[rpant_gabba]

A civilian ruled democratic Pakistan is more dangerous for Hindutva and India than a military ruled Pakistan. And it is just matter of time.

Good thing India doesn't have to worry about that ever happening

 

[HalBass9]

It’s not because Civilian government cares about its people and business and economy, The establishment only cares about itself and its funding which is dependant upon anti-India.

Understood. However, if and when a civilian government in Pakistan emerges free from military influence, it could pose a significant challenge to the spread of Hindutva in India.

In the long run, however, the USA and Western powers are likely to ensure that either the Pakistani government or military maintains some level of influence in the region, preventing India from fully realizing its ambitions.

 

[JaDed]

Understood. However, if and when a civilian government in Pakistan emerges free from military influence, it could pose a significant challenge to the spread of Hindutva in India.

Which will benefit both countries , being against Hindutva is not being against India, there is a middle ground.

I’m a US resident now and I can tell you from history, US was anti- India up until 1993(they with Pak almost brought Kashmir to UN)… then Bill Clinton at least started to warm up with IT and middle class economy of India and Bush completely gave us a free run, but it’s more of a balanced tone now , India will never trust US or China , it’s how the central agencies are and always will be, but same time India does need the tech and economy benefits from US, they will always play the middle ground.

 

[HalBass9]

Which will benefit both countries , being against Hindutva is not being against India, there is a middle ground.

I’m a US resident now and I can tell you from history, US was anti- India up until 1993(they with Pak almost brought Kashmir to UN)… then Bill Clinton at least started to warm up with IT and middle class economy of India and Bush completely gave us a free run, but it’s more of a balanced tone now , India will never trust US or China , it’s how the central agencies are and always will be, but same time India does need the tech and economy benefits from US, they will always play the middle ground.

Absolutely agree and that is the only way forward for both countries.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Your MNA’s are being kidnapped and forced to vote in favour of the bill.

You have to fight fire with fire, kidnap Diesel and release him after the 25th October, all these talks are meaningless.

 

[Bewal Express]

Sure. A leader who managed to **** of the major benefactor of Pak: KSA, Benefactor/debtor: USA, Debtor/investor : china

Finds himself in conflict with the establishment which facilitated his ascension to power and locked up for good.

I'm not sure how this adds up to leadership.

Because he stood up for PK. It's called izzat and as subsequent events shiwed,he was right. It will take years, maybe longer but PK will be free from criminals because people have had their eyes opened. Trying to find a support of the mafia is more difficult than finding Hindutuva who claims not be a fascist

 

[UP]

How can one be so greedy and a pimp of generals for a mere of 3 year job? Why would one be so insane to destroy the only half functional SC?

The Muneera Mistry is a curse. This guy is a nut-job.

These corrupt babays NS and AZ and Diesel - when will they stop selling this land for money? When enough is enough?

 

[rpant_gabba]

Because he stood up for PK.

No idea what that means

It's called izzat

should have stayed away from IMF if had izzat

and as subsequent events shiwed,he was right.

Not sure what it showed. No Pak PM has completed a full 5 year term and IMO IK is just one more to that list

It will take years, maybe longer but PK will be free from criminals because people have had their eyes opened. Trying to find a support of the mafia is more difficult than finding Hindutuva who claims not be a fascist

word salad.

IK knew he had establishment help in coming to power and anger them off will not help him or pakistan or he is a bit of an idiot.

he had to know that he will anger US big time with his tauts about afghan withdrawal or he is a big idiot.

He had to know that trying renegotiate CPEC was going to anger chinese off or he is a big idiot

he did all 3. If that is good leadership in your books, have at it.

To me, it is the behavior of a tantrum throwing child with little to no EQ.

Not complaining. His tenure and actions have helped India and Indians immensely.

 

[Bewal Express]

You need to do research about IK coming to power. They never helped him, the best anyone can claim is that they didn't put hurdles in his way in 2018.

 

[Kianig89]

Lawyers movement in pipeline against destruction of SC, seniors pros ganged up

 

[Bewal Express]

Lawyers movement in pipeline against destruction of SC, seniors pros ganged up

Most Lawyers are compromised by the mafia. Throw them a bone and they go quiet

 

[FearlessRoar]

Fazlur Rehman rejects government’s draft on constitutional amendments​

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has completely rejected the government's proposed draft on constitutional amendments, calling it unacceptable.

Speaking to the media during an informal conversation at the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser, Fazlur Rehman revealed that the government’s original draft had been entirely dismissed after review.

He questioned the credibility of the process, stating, “Now they are claiming it wasn’t even their draft. What kind of game was being played?”

The government and opposition delegations had previously met with Fazlur Rehman to seek his support for the amendments, but he clarified that the proposed draft was not acceptable under any circumstances.

Fazlur Rehman also refrained from commenting on the alleged statements of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from Adiala Jail.

Sources mentioned that former President Arif Alvi and senior PTI leader Raoof Hasan also attended the luncheon hosted by Asad Qaiser.

Fazlur Rehman had received an invitation from Qaiser the previous day, as both sides aimed to discuss the constitutional amendments.

Constitutional amendments impossible without Fazlur Rehman's support: Bilawal

Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has stated that constitutional amendments are not possible without the support of Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl.

Speaking at a local private TV channel, Bilawal underscored the importance of building consensus with JUI-F to advance proposed constitutional reforms.

He revealed that JUI-F is drafting its own amendments, and engaging Fazlur Rehman is critical to moving forward.

“Our effort is to create consensus, and it is important to engage with Maulana Fazlur Rehman. If he agrees, it won’t take more than a month or two to proceed,” Bilawal said.

The PPP leader highlighted that the government has already addressed several concerns raised by his party, and he expects mutual acceptance of proposals from all sides.

Bilawal also mentioned the government’s proposal to set the Supreme Court judges' age limit at 67 with a three-year tenure, while JUI-F suggested a lower age limit of 65.

The PPP is pushing for a separate committee, as proposed by JUI-F, which would involve parliamentary members, judges, and bar representatives in the appointment process.

Bilawal expressed optimism about securing support from both JUI-F and PTI to finalise the reforms.

Fazlur Rehman rejects government’s draft on constitutional amendments | The Express Tribune

Fazlur Rehman questioned the credibility of the process, asking how the government could disown their own draft.

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

PTI links talks on constitutional amendments to Imran Khan’s release​

Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Muhammad Khan has urged the government to release the party's founder, Imran Khan, from Adiala Jail before engaging in talks on constitutional amendments.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Wednesday, Ali Muhammad outlined PTI's stance, stating, "First, release Imran Khan from prison, then we can discuss constitutional amendments." He added that any approval of amendments must be accompanied by the restoration of the public mandate.

The PTI leader questioned the legitimacy of the process, asking, "How can a constitutional amendment be passed by an incomplete parliament?" He also raised concerns about the role of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in the process, criticising PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. "It's unfortunate that the grandson is undermining the very Constitution his grandfather created," he remarked.

Hamid Khan, who was present during the conversation, reinforced PTI's position on the judiciary, stating, "We only recognise the Supreme Court. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is the rightful chief justice, and no one else is acceptable." He added, "We will not let institutions be mocked."

Meanwhile, PTI's founder, Imran Khan, has made serious allegations, claiming that the government is pushing constitutional amendments to extend the terms of key officials, including Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, and the Chief Election Commissioner.

From Adiala Jail, Imran alleged, "The government, having lost previous political battles, is now changing the Constitution to safeguard rigged elections and extend the terms of three umpires."

He further warned that if Chief Justice Isa is removed, investigations into the May 9 protests and alleged rigging in the elections would be initiated. "They are trying to dismantle my party," he said, adding that over 140 legal cases had been filed against him before the May 9 events, and efforts to remove him intensified afterward.

Khan expressed concern over the delay in investigating the May 9 incidents, claiming that if the new chief justice takes office, the truth behind the events will emerge. He also criticised the government for undermining Pakistan’s judicial and electoral processes, citing the delay in tribunal decisions on the February 8 election.

PTI links talks on constitutional amendments to Imran Khan’s release | The Express Tribune

How can a constitutional amendment be passed by an incomplete parliament, asks Ali Muhammad Khan

tribune.com.pk

 

[Bewal Express]

PTI links talks on constitutional amendments to Imran Khan’s release​

Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Muhammad Khan has urged the government to release the party's founder, Imran Khan, from Adiala Jail before engaging in talks on constitutional amendments.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Wednesday, Ali Muhammad outlined PTI's stance, stating, "First, release Imran Khan from prison, then we can discuss constitutional amendments." He added that any approval of amendments must be accompanied by the restoration of the public mandate.

The PTI leader questioned the legitimacy of the process, asking, "How can a constitutional amendment be passed by an incomplete parliament?" He also raised concerns about the role of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in the process, criticising PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. "It's unfortunate that the grandson is undermining the very Constitution his grandfather created," he remarked.

Hamid Khan, who was present during the conversation, reinforced PTI's position on the judiciary, stating, "We only recognise the Supreme Court. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is the rightful chief justice, and no one else is acceptable." He added, "We will not let institutions be mocked."

Meanwhile, PTI's founder, Imran Khan, has made serious allegations, claiming that the government is pushing constitutional amendments to extend the terms of key officials, including Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, and the Chief Election Commissioner.

From Adiala Jail, Imran alleged, "The government, having lost previous political battles, is now changing the Constitution to safeguard rigged elections and extend the terms of three umpires."

He further warned that if Chief Justice Isa is removed, investigations into the May 9 protests and alleged rigging in the elections would be initiated. "They are trying to dismantle my party," he said, adding that over 140 legal cases had been filed against him before the May 9 events, and efforts to remove him intensified afterward.

Khan expressed concern over the delay in investigating the May 9 incidents, claiming that if the new chief justice takes office, the truth behind the events will emerge. He also criticised the government for undermining Pakistan’s judicial and electoral processes, citing the delay in tribunal decisions on the February 8 election.

PTI links talks on constitutional amendments to Imran Khan’s release | The Express Tribune

How can a constitutional amendment be passed by an incomplete parliament, asks Ali Muhammad Khan

tribune.com.pk

Any constitutional amendment done by the retarded Mistry and his puppets isn't acceptable. Their niyaats aren't clean and if the PTI must not fall into the trap.

 

[Bewal Express]

Looking at BBs son Bilawal and his blatant lies about the constitutional amendment. This pathetic waste if skin was about to destroy one of the better legacies of ZAB and his party and all because his father is a hostage of the retarded Mistry. Bilawal claimed that he had the real Bill, well beghairat shouldn't you have shared it months in advance to allow the public to see it.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Amendments must not violate Constitution's core features, warn lawyers​

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Shehzad Shaukat, during the All Pakistan Lawyers' Representative Meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, highlighted that while the parliament holds the authority to amend the Constitution, any such changes must align with its fundamental principles.

Reading the joint declaration of the SCBA and the Pakistan Bar Council, Shaukat underscored, "No amendment should conflict with the core features of the constitution." He also announced the formation of a committee composed of representatives from various lawyers' councils to review the proposed amendments and ensure they are constitutionally sound.

The declaration called for transparency in the amendment process, demanding that the final draft be shared with the lawyers' representatives before its approval. Furthermore, it asserted that only elected representatives of the legal community have the right to call for strikes.

Regarding the proposal to establish a constitutional court, the declaration stressed that this matter should proceed only after consultation with the legal community. It also urged the Supreme Court to schedule a hearing on the SCBA’s petition challenging the court’s decision on Article 63-A.

Shaukat expressed his disappointment at the absence of some dissenting lawyers from the meeting, stating, "It would have been constructive if those with differing views had attended and questioned the Federal Law Minister directly."

Responding to the declaration, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar acknowledged the lawyers' suggestions, assuring that they would be presented to the parliamentary committee. "Your suggestions are valuable, and I will ensure they reach the parliamentary committee. The goal of the judicial reforms is to guarantee justice for the common citizen," he said.

Tarar confirmed that the draft of the proposed amendments had already been shared with the Pakistan Bar Council, the SCBA, and other legal bodies, and that it would soon be published on the ministry’s website. He expressed gratitude to the legal community for their cooperation.

Addressing concerns over the proposed constitutional court, Tarar clarified that the appointment of its head remains undecided. He also revealed that a proposed amendment regarding the trial of civilians in military courts was dropped due to opposition from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

Amendments must not violate Constitution's core features, warn lawyers | The Express Tribune

Lawyer bodies demand that the final draft be shared with the lawyers' representatives before its approval

tribune.com.pk

 

[Bewal Express]

Amendments must not violate Constitution's core features, warn lawyers​

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Shehzad Shaukat, during the All Pakistan Lawyers' Representative Meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, highlighted that while the parliament holds the authority to amend the Constitution, any such changes must align with its fundamental principles.

Reading the joint declaration of the SCBA and the Pakistan Bar Council, Shaukat underscored, "No amendment should conflict with the core features of the constitution." He also announced the formation of a committee composed of representatives from various lawyers' councils to review the proposed amendments and ensure they are constitutionally sound.

The declaration called for transparency in the amendment process, demanding that the final draft be shared with the lawyers' representatives before its approval. Furthermore, it asserted that only elected representatives of the legal community have the right to call for strikes.

Regarding the proposal to establish a constitutional court, the declaration stressed that this matter should proceed only after consultation with the legal community. It also urged the Supreme Court to schedule a hearing on the SCBA’s petition challenging the court’s decision on Article 63-A.

Shaukat expressed his disappointment at the absence of some dissenting lawyers from the meeting, stating, "It would have been constructive if those with differing views had attended and questioned the Federal Law Minister directly."

Responding to the declaration, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar acknowledged the lawyers' suggestions, assuring that they would be presented to the parliamentary committee. "Your suggestions are valuable, and I will ensure they reach the parliamentary committee. The goal of the judicial reforms is to guarantee justice for the common citizen," he said.

Tarar confirmed that the draft of the proposed amendments had already been shared with the Pakistan Bar Council, the SCBA, and other legal bodies, and that it would soon be published on the ministry’s website. He expressed gratitude to the legal community for their cooperation.

Addressing concerns over the proposed constitutional court, Tarar clarified that the appointment of its head remains undecided. He also revealed that a proposed amendment regarding the trial of civilians in military courts was dropped due to opposition from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

Amendments must not violate Constitution's core features, warn lawyers | The Express Tribune

Lawyer bodies demand that the final draft be shared with the lawyers' representatives before its approval

tribune.com.pk

Throw most these lawyers a bone and they will back anything. These lawyers have kept quiet when the beghairat Isa has caused havoc with his criminality. For these criminals money is God.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Despite ‘no’ from Fazl, govt clings to hope

After Maulana Fazlur Rehman ‘completely rejected’ the proposed constitutional package chalked up by the PML-N, the coalition government without losing hope has stepped up consultations with other political parties to evolve a consensus on the controversial amendments to the Constitution.

In a media talk following a meeting between the JUI-F chief and the PTI leaders at the residence of former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser on Wednesday, the JUI-F leader said, “We have completely rejected the proposed package as the government is itself saying that there’s no draft of the constitutional package.”

He said the JUI-F had never agreed to support the package. “If the government is now claiming that there was no draft of the package then which document was shared with us,” he questioned.

It may be noted that the government said the draft being shared on social media was just a ‘working paper’ not the final document.

After the meeting, Mr Qaiser told reporters that the PTI and JUI-F decided to coordinate on all issues in parliament. He claimed the proposed package had not been shared with the ruling parties’ legislators either.

The apparent agreement between the JUI-F and the PTI prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to call on Maulana Fazl, again, to convince the veteran politician to stand with the government on the issue. Mr Naqvi was part of a team tasked with convincing Maulana Fazl over the past weekend, but failed.

‘Still hopeful’

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that the PML-N and the PPP were on ‘one page’ over the ‘Constitutional Package’.

Under the proposed package, the number of judges in the Supreme Court was to be increased from 17 to 23 and the tenure of the CJP to be fixed at three years. A constitutional court is also on the cards under the proposed legislation. Khawaja Asif said a consensus document would be presented again and hinted that the JUI-F would be convinced ahead of the amendments.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said extensive consultations with all political parties were underway but no one would be allowed to “use the issue as a bargaining chip for getting an NRO”. He reiterated that consultations would continue to reach a consensus on the amendments. The draft had been shared with the Pakistan Peoples Party, JUI-F and other parties and discussions were held on every section, he added.

Furthermore, the information minister told Dawn that the meeting of the special parliamentary committee where the constitutional package had been discussed would be summoned in a few days to take up the suggesstions. He said the Balochistan National Party was also being taken on board.

Mr Tarar also negated the impression that the proposed package was prepared somewhere else, saying the package was prepared in the office of the law ministry under the guidance of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

‘No plans for extension’

Sharing details about the consultations, PML-N stalwart Irfan Siddiqui said in a TV interview that there was no plan to extend the tenure of the chief justice or increase the retirement age of the superior judges.

“These are merely speculations circulating in the media and the government has no such plans,” Senator Siddiqui said during an interview with a private TV channel.

He said the constitutional package had not hit a snag, rather it was moving to the next stage in which the coalition partners, the PML-N and the PPP, were playing an active role. He expressed confidence that Maulana Fazlur Rehman would agree and amendments would be passed by parliament with the cooperation of JUI-F and other parties.

Senator Siddiqui told Dawn that consultations with all parties, including the ANP and MQM-Pakistan, were underway and the government would heed their demands.

DAWN NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

President Zardari signs off on changes to law clipping CJP’s wings on bench formation: info minister​

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday said that President Asif Ali Zardari has signed off on the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Amendment Ordinance 2024 that amended the law to clip the top judge’s powers of bench formation, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

In October 2023, the Supreme Court had upheld the SC (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023 which was formulated to regulate the affairs of the top court.

The law, which was passed by parliament in April 2023, states that a three-member bench, comprising the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) and the two senior-most judges of the apex court, will decide whether or not to take up a matter suo motu.

Previously, this was solely the prerogative of the CJP. Additionally, it adds to the review jurisdiction of the top court, giving the right to file an appeal within 30 days of the judgement in suo motu cases.

The law was seen by the petitioners as an attempt by the government to curtail the chief justice’s powers.

Today, the information minister said the president had signed off on changes to the law, following the federal cabinet’s approval of the ordinance, to “serve the public interest and enhance the transparency of the judicial process”, according to Radio Pakistan.

Elaborating on the changes in the ordinance, Tarar said the first case to land in the court would be heard first.

He stated that the right to appeal was also granted for any judgment to be passed by the apex court in a case under Article 184(3).

Article 184(3) of the Constitution sets out the apex court’s original jurisdiction and enables it to assume jurisdiction in matters involving a question of “public importance” concerning the “enforcement of any of the fundamental rights” of Pakistan’s citizens.

The information minister said that a transcript of the proceedings for each case would also be prepared and made publicly available, bringing “more transparency in the judicial process”, the report added.

According to the ordinance, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, the Supreme Court committee responsible for bench formation would now constitute the CJP, senior puisne judge, and any other apex court justice nominated by the CJP from time to time instead of the third most senior judge, Justice Munib Akhtar.

Regarding suo motu notices, the ordinance said the bench hearing such matters would have to “decide and identify through a reasoned and speaking order the question of public importance involved in the matter and the fundamental right which is sought to be enforced”.

Regarding applications for fixation of urgent matters, the ordinance said: “Unless transparent criteria are already mentioned or the applicable law requires a decision within a stipulated time, every cause, matter or appeal in the Supreme Court shall be heard at its turn based on first in, first out, that is to say, the cases filed first shall be heard first. Any bench hearing a case out of its turn shall record its reasons for doing so.”

President Zardari signs off on changes to law clipping CJP’s wings on bench formation: info minister

Information minister says president has promulgated Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Amendment Ordinance 2024.

www.dawn.com

 

[Bewal Express]

Literally every day these crooks that didn't win 50 seats are changing laws and then changing them back when it backfires. These clowns are and will be hated until they die. They have stood with guns against what is right.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Fazl says rejected draft amendments due to concerns over expanded military role​

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has said he rejected the government’s proposed constitutional amendments, criticising the draft for limiting fundamental rights and expanding the military’s role.

The JUI-F leader made the statement while speaking to the media in Multan on Friday, highlighting his concerns over the draft received from the government.

Fazlur Rehman revealed that the government’s proposal sought to establish a Federal Constitutional Court and had initially included provisions for extending judges' tenure and increasing the number of judges. However, the government later withdrew these suggestions but retained the idea of creating the new court.

"We told the government that this is merely a headline; show us the actual draft first, and then we will discuss," he said.

The JUI-F chief disclosed that the government was initially reluctant to share the draft with his party, even though a copy had been provided to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). "Eventually, they gave us a copy, but I cannot say for sure whether both copies are identical. We do not know if there have been additions or subtractions in the new version," he remarked.

After legal experts reviewed the draft, Fazlur Rehman expressed disappointment, stating that while the Constitution protects every citizen's rights, the proposed amendments grant exemptions to the military and restrict the scope of fundamental rights.

He noted that the draft includes provisions that could significantly impact the judiciary, allowing the government to transfer judges or reassign cases if a decision is unfavourable. "This would undermine the system, even affecting High Court judges," he added.

Fazlur Rehman also voiced his concern over the growing trend of exchanging interests in politics, which he believes has become the norm. "We have always conducted politics based on principles and for the nation, rejecting all proposals that were against human rights or only served to protect the government," he stated.

The JUI-F leader acknowledged that the idea of a Federal Constitutional Court is included in the Charter of Democracy, given the Supreme Court's current backlog of 60,000 cases and the overall 2.4 million pending cases across the country. However, he pointed out that when the draft was handed to them, the government did not have the majority to pass it, and the approval hinged on JUI-F's support. "We made it clear that we are not satisfied and cannot support this draft," he asserted.

Fazlur Rehman mentioned that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met with him, and they agreed to draft their own versions of the amendments, which would then be shared with each other to reach a consensus. "Legislation is the job of parliament, and we will not tolerate any restrictions on this. However, if the balance of power between institutions is not maintained, it could lead to the country's destruction," he warned.

He emphasised that every institution should operate within its constitutional limits. "If institutions work within their boundaries, everything will proceed smoothly; otherwise, the country will weaken," Fazlur Rehman said.

He expressed concern over the current situation, where the military’s involvement in elections and its efforts to bring a government of its choice have weakened the country. "There was a time when no one was willing to listen to anything against the military, but today, no one is ready to speak in its favour. This is distressing for us," he lamented.

In response to a question, Fazlur Rehman confirmed that work on their draft is underway, which will take about a week to ten days to complete. "We agree on the establishment of a Constitutional Court, but we rejected the government's draft because of the evident malintent, particularly the extension of military exemptions at the cost of human rights," he concluded.

Fazl says rejected draft amendments due to concerns over expanded military role | The Express Tribune

Military’s involvement in elections and its efforts to bring a govt of its choice have weakened country, says JUI-F chief

tribune.com.pk

 

[Bewal Express]

Fazl says rejected draft amendments due to concerns over expanded military role​

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has said he rejected the government’s proposed constitutional amendments, criticising the draft for limiting fundamental rights and expanding the military’s role.

The JUI-F leader made the statement while speaking to the media in Multan on Friday, highlighting his concerns over the draft received from the government.

Fazlur Rehman revealed that the government’s proposal sought to establish a Federal Constitutional Court and had initially included provisions for extending judges' tenure and increasing the number of judges. However, the government later withdrew these suggestions but retained the idea of creating the new court.

"We told the government that this is merely a headline; show us the actual draft first, and then we will discuss," he said.

The JUI-F chief disclosed that the government was initially reluctant to share the draft with his party, even though a copy had been provided to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). "Eventually, they gave us a copy, but I cannot say for sure whether both copies are identical. We do not know if there have been additions or subtractions in the new version," he remarked.

After legal experts reviewed the draft, Fazlur Rehman expressed disappointment, stating that while the Constitution protects every citizen's rights, the proposed amendments grant exemptions to the military and restrict the scope of fundamental rights.

He noted that the draft includes provisions that could significantly impact the judiciary, allowing the government to transfer judges or reassign cases if a decision is unfavourable. "This would undermine the system, even affecting High Court judges," he added.

Fazlur Rehman also voiced his concern over the growing trend of exchanging interests in politics, which he believes has become the norm. "We have always conducted politics based on principles and for the nation, rejecting all proposals that were against human rights or only served to protect the government," he stated.

The JUI-F leader acknowledged that the idea of a Federal Constitutional Court is included in the Charter of Democracy, given the Supreme Court's current backlog of 60,000 cases and the overall 2.4 million pending cases across the country. However, he pointed out that when the draft was handed to them, the government did not have the majority to pass it, and the approval hinged on JUI-F's support. "We made it clear that we are not satisfied and cannot support this draft," he asserted.

Fazlur Rehman mentioned that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met with him, and they agreed to draft their own versions of the amendments, which would then be shared with each other to reach a consensus. "Legislation is the job of parliament, and we will not tolerate any restrictions on this. However, if the balance of power between institutions is not maintained, it could lead to the country's destruction," he warned.

He emphasised that every institution should operate within its constitutional limits. "If institutions work within their boundaries, everything will proceed smoothly; otherwise, the country will weaken," Fazlur Rehman said.

He expressed concern over the current situation, where the military’s involvement in elections and its efforts to bring a government of its choice have weakened the country. "There was a time when no one was willing to listen to anything against the military, but today, no one is ready to speak in its favour. This is distressing for us," he lamented.

In response to a question, Fazlur Rehman confirmed that work on their draft is underway, which will take about a week to ten days to complete. "We agree on the establishment of a Constitutional Court, but we rejected the government's draft because of the evident malintent, particularly the extension of military exemptions at the cost of human rights," he concluded.

Fazl says rejected draft amendments due to concerns over expanded military role | The Express Tribune

Military’s involvement in elections and its efforts to bring a govt of its choice have weakened country, says JUI-F chief

tribune.com.pk

Diesel looking for a high price.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Punjab governor urges PM to focus on giving relief to the poor​

Criticising the government on the issue of constitutional amendment bill and the appointment of judges, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider has said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is just focusing on how to give extension to the judges instead of giving relief to the poor.

Speaking at an international law conference at Kahuta University, the governor said when they were in the opposition, they trumpeted merit and when they were in the government, they thought what they wanted was the merit.

It is not the job of the PM to pick a chief justice out of four or five judges; when it happened in the past, politicians were rebuked and punished, Saleem Haider said.

“Our judicial system is obsolete and weak. It takes years to give the masses justice. A judicial system and police culture reflect a society. Unfortunately, a poor man could not get an FIR registered without the help of an influential.

“Similarly, an innocent could not get justice in case a false FIR is registered against him. He has to go from pillar to post to get the false case quashed,” the governor said.

He said policemen work round-the-clock. A policeman could not take rest. There is a need to review their working hours, besides giving them pay rise.

He said the number of cases pending in the courts is in lakhs and the people are pushing for justice; there is a need to improve the judicial system, he added.

He said in four months as a governor, he saw the decisions by the Punjab Ombudsman which were based on merit.

Source: Dunya News

 

[Bewal Express]

Punjab governor urges PM to focus on giving relief to the poor​

Criticising the government on the issue of constitutional amendment bill and the appointment of judges, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider has said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is just focusing on how to give extension to the judges instead of giving relief to the poor.

Speaking at an international law conference at Kahuta University, the governor said when they were in the opposition, they trumpeted merit and when they were in the government, they thought what they wanted was the merit.

It is not the job of the PM to pick a chief justice out of four or five judges; when it happened in the past, politicians were rebuked and punished, Saleem Haider said.

“Our judicial system is obsolete and weak. It takes years to give the masses justice. A judicial system and police culture reflect a society. Unfortunately, a poor man could not get an FIR registered without the help of an influential.

“Similarly, an innocent could not get justice in case a false FIR is registered against him. He has to go from pillar to post to get the false case quashed,” the governor said.

He said policemen work round-the-clock. A policeman could not take rest. There is a need to review their working hours, besides giving them pay rise.

He said the number of cases pending in the courts is in lakhs and the people are pushing for justice; there is a need to improve the judicial system, he added.

He said in four months as a governor, he saw the decisions by the Punjab Ombudsman which were based on merit.

Source: Dunya News

@mazkhan
Why were the mafia willing to vote for an amendment that hadn't seen.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and honestly, it raises some big red flags for me. While it might technically fit within the Constitution, it feels like a move to undermine judicial independence. The way they’re trying to set up a ‘constitutional court’ with judges picked by the prime minister and president seems like a serious power grab.

The argument that the Supreme Court is slowing down justice just doesn’t stack up. Those constitutional cases are only a tiny fraction of what the court deals with. Creating another layer with this constitutional court could actually make things worse, not better.

Plus, limiting parliament's power to change laws about service chiefs is really concerning. And let’s not forget how little transparency there’s been in this whole process—it feels like the public is being left out of a crucial conversation about our Constitution. Overall, it looks like this amendment is more about consolidating power than strengthening democracy, and that’s pretty worrying for our republic.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Establishment of constitutional court essential to bridge provincial divides: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari​

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has emphasised on the urgent need for the establishment of a constitutional court to address and bridge the disparities among Pakistan's provinces.

Speaking at a gathering of lawyers at the Sindh High Court on Tuesday, Bilawal highlighted that such a court would play a crucial role in ensuring equitable governance and resolving inter-provincial differences.

His call for this judicial reform underscores his commitment to strengthening the constitutional framework and promoting unity across the nation.

The PPP Chairman also slammed past periods of authoritarian rule in Pakistan, highlighting instances where judges permitted amendments to the constitution and neglected their responsibilities, granting excessive power to dictators.

Bilawal emphasized the PPP's longstanding association with the legal community and its role in shaping Pakistan’s constitution over three generations. He credited the 1973 constitution with maintaining the country's unity and strength.

He recounted how, during authoritarian regimes, judges often ignored constitutional principles and allowed dictatorial amendments.
He also noted that even in those times, leaders like his late mother, Benazir Bhutto, were subjected to undue scrutiny and imprisonment, aimed at silencing dissent.

Bilawal contrasted past practices with his party's efforts towards democratic reforms, including the Charter of Democracy, which sought to address and rectify the shortcomings of previous governance structures.

He reiterated the PPP's commitment to judicial reforms and upholding democratic values.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[Extra_Cover]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and honestly, it raises some big red flags for me. While it might technically fit within the Constitution, it feels like a move to undermine judicial independence. The way they’re trying to set up a ‘constitutional court’ with judges picked by the prime minister and president seems like a serious power grab.

The argument that the Supreme Court is slowing down justice just doesn’t stack up. Those constitutional cases are only a tiny fraction of what the court deals with. Creating another layer with this constitutional court could actually make things worse, not better.

Plus, limiting parliament's power to change laws about service chiefs is really concerning. And let’s not forget how little transparency there’s been in this whole process—it feels like the public is being left out of a crucial conversation about our Constitution. Overall, it looks like this amendment is more about consolidating power than strengthening democracy, and that’s pretty worrying for our republic.

There are very few folks left with the power of self-introspection, for that I respect you. I don't care if you support PMLN, PPP, JUI or anyone else, as long as we can have constructive debate on issues then its fine. Its the blind sidedness of this political polarisation that even basic humanitarian grounds are not being respected. By the way it goes both ways and is relevant to PTI supporters too but given they have no actual power this is currently curtailed only till social media whilst PDM supporters supporting such narrative have to take a lot of blame for it too.

 

[insurge]

Anyone remember when PDM supporters were telling us that this CJP is supposedly an upright and principled judge and Bilawal is going to be a revolutionary and not just follow what he's told? Pepperidge farm remembers.

 

[Bewal Express]

Anyone remember when PDM supporters were telling us that this CJP is supposedly an upright and principled judge and Bilawal is going to be a revolutionary and not just follow what he's told? Pepperidge farm remembers.

How can we forget. The crooked muppet has destroyed the constitution and the less said about the ***** the better. BB had many flaws but at least she had some principles, this waste of skin has absolutely none

 

[Bewal Express]

Establishment of constitutional court essential to bridge provincial divides: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari​

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has emphasised on the urgent need for the establishment of a constitutional court to address and bridge the disparities among Pakistan's provinces.

Speaking at a gathering of lawyers at the Sindh High Court on Tuesday, Bilawal highlighted that such a court would play a crucial role in ensuring equitable governance and resolving inter-provincial differences.

His call for this judicial reform underscores his commitment to strengthening the constitutional framework and promoting unity across the nation.

The PPP Chairman also slammed past periods of authoritarian rule in Pakistan, highlighting instances where judges permitted amendments to the constitution and neglected their responsibilities, granting excessive power to dictators.

Bilawal emphasized the PPP's longstanding association with the legal community and its role in shaping Pakistan’s constitution over three generations. He credited the 1973 constitution with maintaining the country's unity and strength.

He recounted how, during authoritarian regimes, judges often ignored constitutional principles and allowed dictatorial amendments.
He also noted that even in those times, leaders like his late mother, Benazir Bhutto, were subjected to undue scrutiny and imprisonment, aimed at silencing dissent.

Bilawal contrasted past practices with his party's efforts towards democratic reforms, including the Charter of Democracy, which sought to address and rectify the shortcomings of previous governance structures.

He reiterated the PPP's commitment to judicial reforms and upholding democratic values.

Source: The Express Tribune

Maybe Bilawal can explain Why can't the CJP of the SC cant be the CJP of the Con court? Why does it have it to be the pathetic Isa?

 

[FearlessRoar]

Judiciary never opposed martial Law, says Irfan Siddiqui, amid uproar over constitutional amendment​

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui has criticised the judiciary for failing to stand against martial law, while a heated debate surrounds a recent constitutional amendment.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Siddiqui questioned the legal basis of recent court decisions, particularly in relation to reserved seats and party defections.

"No member in the case of reserved seats said they wanted to change parties. Under what law can the judiciary tell someone to join another party?" Siddiqui asked, adding, "The judiciary has never stood up against martial law, and now there’s an uproar over parliament's constitutional amendment."

He expressed concerns over a recent court ruling that, according to him, created unnecessary complications. "The decision regarding reserved seats has raised many questions. It has made the situation so complex that it seems impossible to resolve."

Siddiqui also criticised the frequent striking down of laws by the judiciary. "We often hear that certain laws are in conflict with the Constitution, and the judiciary interprets and rules on them. But is it possible for a judicial bench to make a mistake? What were the reasons behind such errors?" he asked, referring to the Election Act being repeatedly violated in this case.

The senator pointed to the constitutional requirement that members join a party within three days. "These people joined the Sunni Ittehad Council within the given time. The Constitution restricts this for five years, but the judiciary breaks this rule and tells the ‘birds’ to fly out of the cage and join PTI. How does the judiciary have this authority? If it has been assumed, it has been wrongly done."

He further criticised the principle of "complete justice," stating, "No member expressed a desire to switch parties. Under what law can you force them to do so? The judiciary never stood firm against martial law, and now it’s challenging parliament’s constitutional amendments. We are left wondering which direction to take."

Siddiqui concluded by pointing to Article 239 of the Constitution, which states that constitutional amendments cannot be challenged in court. "This provision has been effectively nullified, and the authority of parliament is being restricted. Due to overreach, constitutional provisions are being paralysed," he said.

Judiciary never opposed martial Law, says Irfan Siddiqui, amid uproar over constitutional amendment | The Express Tribune

‘Reserved seats verdict has raised many questions. It has made situation so complex that it seems impossible to resolve’

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

PTI MNA joins PML-N ahead of ‘proposed’ constitutional amendments

As per details, with PTI MNA joining PML-N, the government alliance now has a total of 215 seats in the National Assembly.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidate Adil Bazai secured the seat of Quetta’s National Assembly constituency (NA-262) in the general election 2024.

The development came at a time when the coalition government is in talks with several political parties for consensus on the constitutional amendments.

Earlier, Prime Minister’s advisor Rana Sanaullah said that matter of constitutional amendment is under consideration. Constitutional amendment would be made with consensus of the political parties.

Legal reforms are also essential to provide speedy justice to the people, he added.

In reply to a question about formation of constitutional courts, he said JUI-F leader was also agreed on the establishment of constitutional courts. To another question, he said all the political parties and the parliament are working for rule of law in the country.

Constitutional amendment and legal reforms would help provide speedy justice besides resolve thousands of the cases pending in the courts, he stated.

PTI MNA joins PML-N ahead of 'proposed' constitutional amendments

ISLAMABAD: In a big blow for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PTI MNA Adil Khan Bazai has joined the PML-N, strengthening the government's alliance in the

arynews.tv

 

[YousafTheBeast]

PTI MNA joins PML-N ahead of ‘proposed’ constitutional amendments

As per details, with PTI MNA joining PML-N, the government alliance now has a total of 215 seats in the National Assembly.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidate Adil Bazai secured the seat of Quetta’s National Assembly constituency (NA-262) in the general election 2024.

The development came at a time when the coalition government is in talks with several political parties for consensus on the constitutional amendments.

Earlier, Prime Minister’s advisor Rana Sanaullah said that matter of constitutional amendment is under consideration. Constitutional amendment would be made with consensus of the political parties.

Legal reforms are also essential to provide speedy justice to the people, he added.

In reply to a question about formation of constitutional courts, he said JUI-F leader was also agreed on the establishment of constitutional courts. To another question, he said all the political parties and the parliament are working for rule of law in the country.

Constitutional amendment and legal reforms would help provide speedy justice besides resolve thousands of the cases pending in the courts, he stated.

PTI MNA joins PML-N ahead of 'proposed' constitutional amendments

ISLAMABAD: In a big blow for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PTI MNA Adil Khan Bazai has joined the PML-N, strengthening the government's alliance in the

arynews.tv

He denied it on twitter.

 

[hassan918]

'Like-minded' SC benches to hear crucial cases​

ISLAMABAD: Following the recusal of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, the Supreme Court's committee, operating under the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023, has constituted nine new larger benches to hear various cases, including a review petition against the interpretation of Article 63A of the Constitution.

After Justice Shah's recusal, a two-member committee meeting was held on September 23, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Aminuddin Khan.

According to the minutes of the committee, out of the nine larger benches, only the hearing for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) review petition regarding the Article 63A judgment has been scheduled.

A five-judge larger bench led by Chief Justice Isa is set to hear the matter on September 30.

The minutes indicate that CP No. 2/2022, along with Reference No. 1/2022, was previously heard by a bench comprising Umar Ata Bandial, Chief Justice (as he then was), Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, with a decision rendered on May 17, 2022.

A review of the said judgment has been sought through CRP No. 197/2022.

According to the minutes of the committee, the review petition has been pending for over two years and four months. Therefore, it should be fixed immediately before the available judges of the said bench.

At the relevant time, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel was the senior-most among them. Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel is now an ad hoc judge, which the Constitution states 'shall have the same power and jurisdiction as a judge of the Supreme Court,' as stipulated in Article 182.

The minutes add that therefore, a bench should be constituted comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel. The case is to be fixed for Monday, September 30, 2024.


Interestingly, the minutes do not disclose why CJP Isa changed his mind regarding the composition of the larger bench in this review matter.

During the committee meeting held on July 18, CJP Isa noted that the case had been heard by five judges and decided by a majority of 3 to 2.

Justice Munib Akhtar from the majority and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail from the minority remain, whereas the then CJ and another judge have since retired, and another has resigned.

CJP Isa had previously indicated that since two judges were available, the case should be fixed for hearing within ten days before a bench that would include Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, and Justice Aminuddin Khan.

Now, CJP Isa has replaced himself with Justice Shah, who will preside over the larger bench.

This case holds significant weight in the current context, as the federal government lacks the numbers needed to secure a two-thirds majority for passing a constitutional amendment.

The government is already feeling disheartened after its first attempt at a constitutional amendment failed.

Currently, the government is hopeful that the judgment on the interpretation of Article 63A of the Constitution will be overturned, allowing votes from defecting lawmakers to be counted in favour of the constitutional amendment.

The government's strategy is heavily dependent on Justice Isa, who has faced consistent criticism from PTI leaders over allegations of bias.


All eyes are on Justice Munib Akhtar, as observers wonder whether he will recuse himself from the bench and what reasons he will provide for such a decision.

Legal experts question why the review petition was not fixed before the July 12 order. To avoid further controversy, they suggest it would be prudent for the matter to be scheduled for a hearing after October 25.

Out of the nine benches, only one is presided over by CJ Isa.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[Bewal Express]

'Like-minded' SC benches to hear crucial cases​

ISLAMABAD: Following the recusal of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, the Supreme Court's committee, operating under the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023, has constituted nine new larger benches to hear various cases, including a review petition against the interpretation of Article 63A of the Constitution.

After Justice Shah's recusal, a two-member committee meeting was held on September 23, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Aminuddin Khan.

According to the minutes of the committee, out of the nine larger benches, only the hearing for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) review petition regarding the Article 63A judgment has been scheduled.

A five-judge larger bench led by Chief Justice Isa is set to hear the matter on September 30.

The minutes indicate that CP No. 2/2022, along with Reference No. 1/2022, was previously heard by a bench comprising Umar Ata Bandial, Chief Justice (as he then was), Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, with a decision rendered on May 17, 2022.

A review of the said judgment has been sought through CRP No. 197/2022.

According to the minutes of the committee, the review petition has been pending for over two years and four months. Therefore, it should be fixed immediately before the available judges of the said bench.

At the relevant time, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel was the senior-most among them. Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel is now an ad hoc judge, which the Constitution states 'shall have the same power and jurisdiction as a judge of the Supreme Court,' as stipulated in Article 182.

The minutes add that therefore, a bench should be constituted comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel. The case is to be fixed for Monday, September 30, 2024.


Interestingly, the minutes do not disclose why CJP Isa changed his mind regarding the composition of the larger bench in this review matter.

During the committee meeting held on July 18, CJP Isa noted that the case had been heard by five judges and decided by a majority of 3 to 2.

Justice Munib Akhtar from the majority and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail from the minority remain, whereas the then CJ and another judge have since retired, and another has resigned.

CJP Isa had previously indicated that since two judges were available, the case should be fixed for hearing within ten days before a bench that would include Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, and Justice Aminuddin Khan.

Now, CJP Isa has replaced himself with Justice Shah, who will preside over the larger bench.

This case holds significant weight in the current context, as the federal government lacks the numbers needed to secure a two-thirds majority for passing a constitutional amendment.

The government is already feeling disheartened after its first attempt at a constitutional amendment failed.

Currently, the government is hopeful that the judgment on the interpretation of Article 63A of the Constitution will be overturned, allowing votes from defecting lawmakers to be counted in favour of the constitutional amendment.

The government's strategy is heavily dependent on Justice Isa, who has faced consistent criticism from PTI leaders over allegations of bias.


All eyes are on Justice Munib Akhtar, as observers wonder whether he will recuse himself from the bench and what reasons he will provide for such a decision.

Legal experts question why the review petition was not fixed before the July 12 order. To avoid further controversy, they suggest it would be prudent for the matter to be scheduled for a hearing after October 25.

Out of the nine benches, only one is presided over by CJ Isa.

Source: The Express Tribune

Qazi knows what awaits when he leaves the SC, so to hang on for another 3 years, he has agreed to Martial law amendments. The corrupt beghairat with his hideously corrupt wife agreed with the Generals to impose martial law otherwise known as a constitutional amendment. The fact that both the Nooras and PPP voted for it without even knowing what's in it, will stain their politics forever.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Consensus on constitutional bill must to avoid turmoil: Fazl

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday emphasised the need for consensus among political parties when enacting constitutional amendments to prevent political upheaval.

“We want constitutional amendments to be made with consensus, ensuring they do not trigger political unrest in the country,” Maulana Fazl said during a press conference following his re-election as JUI-F’s central emir for a five-year term by the party’s general council.

The JUI-F chief opposed any amendments designed to benefit specific individuals or increase the powers of the security forces at the expense of fundamental rights, stressing that no party should seek political mileage through these amendments.

Referring to the government’s earlier draft of proposed constitutional amendments, the JUI-F chief noted that parliament had not been convened after his opposition, marking the end of the first phase of deliberations.

“In the next phase, we will see what draft the government brings forward. We are in contact with the PPP, and both parties are preparing their versions of the amendments to be shared with each other. Similarly, the PTI is also working on a draft and will share it with us,” he informed.

Maulana Fazl reiterated his support for the establishment of a constitutional court, a concept included in the 2006 Charter of Democracy. However, he cautioned against amendments that would undermine fundamental rights or increase the military’s visibility in civilian forums.

About an earlier attempt by the government to amend the Cons-titution, Maulana Fazl described it as an injustice, arguing that the “fake” parliament lacked the mandate to undertake such a task.

Despite the reservations, the JUI-F chief confirmed his party would continue to play its role in parliament. He criticised the government’s focus on extending the service tenure of specific judges, questioning why they were preoccupied with favouring certain individuals over others.

Consensus on constitutional bill must to avoid turmoil: Fazl

Says "fake parliament" lacks mandate to amend Constitution.

www.dawn.com

 

[Bewal Express]

Consensus on constitutional bill must to avoid turmoil: Fazl

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday emphasised the need for consensus among political parties when enacting constitutional amendments to prevent political upheaval.

“We want constitutional amendments to be made with consensus, ensuring they do not trigger political unrest in the country,” Maulana Fazl said during a press conference following his re-election as JUI-F’s central emir for a five-year term by the party’s general council.

The JUI-F chief opposed any amendments designed to benefit specific individuals or increase the powers of the security forces at the expense of fundamental rights, stressing that no party should seek political mileage through these amendments.

Referring to the government’s earlier draft of proposed constitutional amendments, the JUI-F chief noted that parliament had not been convened after his opposition, marking the end of the first phase of deliberations.

“In the next phase, we will see what draft the government brings forward. We are in contact with the PPP, and both parties are preparing their versions of the amendments to be shared with each other. Similarly, the PTI is also working on a draft and will share it with us,” he informed.

Maulana Fazl reiterated his support for the establishment of a constitutional court, a concept included in the 2006 Charter of Democracy. However, he cautioned against amendments that would undermine fundamental rights or increase the military’s visibility in civilian forums.

About an earlier attempt by the government to amend the Cons-titution, Maulana Fazl described it as an injustice, arguing that the “fake” parliament lacked the mandate to undertake such a task.

Despite the reservations, the JUI-F chief confirmed his party would continue to play its role in parliament. He criticised the government’s focus on extending the service tenure of specific judges, questioning why they were preoccupied with favouring certain individuals over others.

Consensus on constitutional bill must to avoid turmoil: Fazl

Says "fake parliament" lacks mandate to amend Constitution.

www.dawn.com

Maybe Diesel can explain why a govt with less than 50 legitimate seats is forcing through a gutting of the Constitution. An amendment that Billo,NS and others will vote for because they are puppets of the Generals, an amendment they were about to vote for without even knowing what was in the bill. Where are the Liberals these days? Anyone seen them?

 

[FearlessRoar]

Bilawal affirms commitment to constitutional amendments ahead of Oct 25 deadline​

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated his commitment to completing the constitutional amendments, stating that if they are finalised before October 25, the matter can be resolved peacefully.

In a session with reporters in Islamabad on Wednesday, Bilawal was asked about his stance on former prime minister Imran Khan's military trial. He replied, “We need to assess the evidence first; after all, we have the authority to grant a presidential pardon.” He maintained that the PPP stands against the death penalty.

When questioned about the proposed constitutional amendments and their deadline of October 25, he stated, “If the amendments are made before October 25, the matter can be settled peacefully. While they can be done later, it may lead to confrontational situations.”

He further asserted that the PPP would not abandon the matter concerning the constitutional court, vowing to see it through to completion. “We have already faced significant delays; our demands date back to 2006 and are part of our manifesto,” he added.

Bilawal also criticised the judiciary's timing regarding certain actions, questioning why the timing of the injunction on reserved seats was not being scrutinised. He pointed out that the judiciary's four-page clarification issued on September 14, the day of a parliamentary session, raised questions about the judicial timing.

He mentioned that the head of the constitutional court would serve a three-year term and expressed his opposition to the establishment of military courts, emphasising that the justification for the federal constitutional court lies in the Supreme Court's historical precedents.

On the Karachi unrest case, which has been ongoing since 2011, Bilawal noted that the judiciary had affected the local government system under the pretext of this case, questioning whether unrest existed only in Karachi, as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also face similar issues.

He further criticised the political manoeuvring regarding the selection of the next Army Chief, suggesting that events on May 9 were bordering on insurrection. He warned that if constitutional amendments are not enacted, the resulting situation might spiral beyond anyone's control, noting that the 18th Amendment had previously blocked the path to martial law.

Bilawal affirms commitment to constitutional amendments ahead of Oct 25 deadline | The Express Tribune

PPP chairman asserts party will not abandon the constitutional court matter, vowing to see it through to completion

tribune.com.pk