ISLAMABAD: Following a setback in garnering support from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) for a contentious constitutional amendment package, the ruling party has shifted focus to address the concerns of the legal community.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar met with representatives from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to discuss the proposed amendments, including the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court. It was agreed that a committee, comprising key members from various bar associations, will review the amendments and provide recommendations within seven days.
The committee will include the vice chairman and executive committee chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council, as well as the president and general secretary of the SCBA, along with vice chairmen and executive committee chairmen from provincial bar councils. Their feedback will be integrated into the final draft of the amendment package.
The SCBA emphasized that while parliamentary authority to amend the Constitution is recognized, such amendments should not compromise its basic structure. The bar also called for consultations with legal professionals before establishing a constitutional court and requested a hearing for its petition against the judicial decision on Article 63-A.
Tarar affirmed that the proposed Federal Constitutional Court would have representation from all federal units and aims to address longstanding demands for judicial reform. He highlighted that the proposal is part of the PML-N’s manifesto and aligns with the Charter of Democracy signed by former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto.
The proposed amendments will require a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass. Tarar also mentioned that the Federal Constitutional Court would clarify the suo motu powers under Article 184 and is intended to improve access to justice.
PPP leader Senator Farooq H. Naek supported the creation of the constitutional court, suggesting a committee to outline its objectives and framework.
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar noted ongoing consultations with all political parties to build consensus on the draft bill, commending the law minister’s efforts in engaging all political forces in the process.
