The much-discussed Constitutional Package, which includes proposals for constitutional amendments such as extending the top judge’s term, has seen progress as the PPP and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have reached an agreement on a shared draft. Three separate drafts of the constitutional package were being prepared by the government, PPP, and JUI-F. A committee led by PPP’s Khursheed Shah, with representation from all parties including the PTI, was formed for reconciliation among lawmakers.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman indicated that amendments that infringed upon fundamental rights or aimed to strengthen specific institutions would not be acceptable. Fazl visited PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and after their meeting, he announced that the two parties had agreed on a draft. Fazl also planned to meet with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and the PTI leadership to build consensus. Bilawal emphasized the need for consensus and hoped that the final bill passed by the National Assembly would be based on the achieved consensus.
He also expressed hope that political parties would work together to solve the nation’s problems. Additionally, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), alleged harassment of his senators and their families and indicated that his senators might step down due to pressure to vote in favor of the constitutional package.
