ISLAMABAD: A long-awaited “Constitutional Package” that proposes significant amendments — including fixing the tenure of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) at three years — is expected to be introduced in parliament today (Saturday). However, doubts remain over whether the ruling coalition has the necessary two-thirds majority, or 224 votes out of 336, in the lower house to pass the constitutional amendment.
Currently, the government appears to be short by about a dozen votes in both houses. Nevertheless, statements from government officials suggest that the Shehbaz Sharif-led administration is confident it can secure the needed support.
Parliament sessions for both houses have been convened this evening, with just an hour’s gap between them — an unusual move, as such weekend sessions typically occur only during budget discussions or for urgent issues.
Although the official agenda for the National Assembly session does not mention the constitutional amendment, such items are often added to the agenda at the last minute. Coalition parties — including PML-N, PPP, MQM, and others — have directed their members to remain in the capital to ensure full attendance for the vote.
Parliamentary party meetings have been held almost daily to monitor member availability. For instance, PPP MNA Nafisa Shah was not permitted to leave Islamabad for a family celebration until after the parliamentary session concluded.
On Friday, Barrister Aqeel Malik, a legal adviser to the prime minister, confirmed that the bill would be tabled today, likely first in the Senate and then in the National Assembly. He assured that the government had thoroughly prepared and had summoned both houses after completing its homework.
There are reports that some PTI-allied lawmakers may be willing to back the ruling coalition, and efforts are ongoing to secure support from JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. If Rehman lends his support, the government could secure the necessary majority in the Senate but would still be short a few votes in the National Assembly.
While it is unclear if current CJP Qazi Faez Isa would benefit from the bill, Barrister Aqeel suggested that any constitutional amendment would apply universally. However, CJP Isa has indicated that he is not seeking a person-specific change or an extension of his tenure.
Despite opposition parties trying to maintain strict discipline among their members, the government appears optimistic about securing enough votes. A National Assembly official suggested that behind-the-scenes negotiations could still result in the bill’s passage, citing past instances where the ruling coalition managed to achieve seemingly unlikely legislative victories.
