PPP delegation, Fazl further discuss proposed constitutional amendments

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, along with a delegation, visited Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence for a second meeting, here on Monday.

The discussions are part of ongoing negotiations surrounding proposed constitutional amendments.

Bilawal was warmly welcomed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The PPP delegation included senior leaders such as Syed Khurshid Shah, Engineer Naveed Qamar, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.

JUI-F Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Abdul Wasay, Maulana Asad Mahmood, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Mir Usman Badini, and Maulana Misbahuddin assisted the Maulana.

Earlier, Bilawal held a key meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the political climate, briefing the premier on his talks with Maulana Fazlur Rehman concerning the amendments.

The government is preparing to present the highly anticipated constitutional amendments during the upcoming National Assembly session.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, confirmed that a detailed briefing was given in a three-hour committee meeting earlier that day.

Senator Siddiqui noted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman did not oppose the amendments but requested additional time and reassurances regarding the vote count.

Siddiqui assured that the necessary votes are in place, dismissing concerns about the numbers. He added that both houses of parliament would likely adjourn later today, with the new session focused on introducing the amendments once a consensus is reached within the committee.

The amendments have sparked a political standoff between the ruling coalition led by PML-N and JUI-F, with the latter seeking further clarification before proceeding. The delay in presenting the amendments reflects the government’s attempts to secure political consensus before moving forward with the legislative process. While cooperative, Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s position highlights the need for unity in passing the amendments.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has come under scrutiny, with Senator Siddiqui emphasizing that PTI members lack the authority to provide guarantees on the matter, reflecting internal challenges within the party.

As consultations continue within the ruling coalition, both the PPP and JUI-F remain central in shaping the future of the proposed amendments, which are expected to significantly impact the political landscape.