In a powerful address on Friday, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and other opposition parties to support the proposed constitutional package, cautioning that the government may resort to its “brute majority” if no consensus is reached, despite earlier claims of agreement.
The Constitutional Package aims to introduce several amendments, including an extension of the chief justice’s term. A special parliamentary committee, formed last month and including representatives from all parties, including the PTI, has been discussing various proposals. The PPP unveiled its draft on October 11, after reaching an initial consensus with the JUI-F.
While the PPP and JUI-F agreed on a joint draft earlier this week, Bilawal, addressing a PPP rally in Hyderabad, emphasized his desire to enact the legislation collaboratively. “I am going to Islamabad to make a final effort to bring the opposition parties together for uncontroversial lawmaking,” he stated.
He warned, however, that if the opposition continues to withhold support after numerous compromises, he would have no choice but to pass the legislation with the PML-N and their additional members through sheer majority.
Bilawal stressed the importance of forming a forum for equal representation and reiterated his commitment to bipartisan collaboration. “If the opposition closes its doors, I will have to pursue a controversial path, which I have always sought to avoid,” he said, highlighting the potential for political instability.
He expressed frustration at the delays, stating the PPP could no longer wait or make further compromises. Bilawal affirmed his intention to present the draft in the National Assembly and persuade other parties to support it. He vowed to push the draft through the “government’s two-thirds majority” if necessary, insisting on the establishment of a federal constitutional court with equal representation.
The PPP leader highlighted that he has been engaged in negotiations with Fazl and other parties for the past two months, urging all political entities to reconsider their positions. “This is a crucial moment for all parties; we have done everything possible to reach consensus,” he declared.
Earlier, at a joint parliamentary party meeting, Bilawal announced a consensus between the PPP, JUI-F, and PML-N on the constitutional package. He expressed optimism about passing the amendments in line with the principles of the Charter of Democracy.
Bilawal also addressed concerns regarding allegations of harassment against opposition lawmakers, urging that such issues should not recur in the legislative process. He reassured that a consensus had been achieved among the PPP, JUI-F, and PML-N, emphasizing his commitment to using political strength to ensure the legislation’s passage.
As negotiations continued, the government aimed to introduce the amendment draft in the Senate, but faced challenges in maintaining support from the JUI-F, with threats from their leadership to withdraw if harassment claims were not addressed.
The session for the National Assembly and Senate was rescheduled to the evening, with discussions ongoing regarding the proposed amendments. The political landscape remains tense, with the opposition expressing strong concerns about the implications of the constitutional package on judicial independence and governance.
