Government Struggles to Secure 64 Votes Amid PTI’s Internal Disruptions
ISLAMABAD: The fate of the 27th Constitutional Amendment remains uncertain as the government continues to struggle in securing the 64 votes required for its passage in the Senate. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations and appeals for attendance, the ruling coalition has yet to gather enough members in the upper house, leaving the treasury benches anxious and morale low.
According to parliamentary sources, only 35 senators from the government and allied parties were present in the house as of Monday, far short of the two-thirds majority needed. Efforts are reportedly underway to contact absent treasury members and rally last-minute support ahead of the crucial vote.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faces its own internal troubles, as the party has reportedly lost contact with two of its senators—one each from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sources confirmed that Senator Saifullah Abro, who had earlier defied party orders by not resigning from Senate committees, remains unreachable. Senator Faisal Saleem has also not responded to the party’s calls, echoing his absence during discussions on the 26th Amendment.
Coalition Reaches Out to ANP Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the final draft of the amendment bill has been completed with minor revisions and sent for printing. However, he admitted that the situation remains uncertain until voting concludes, reflecting the government’s nervous wait for numbers.
In an effort to strengthen its position, the ruling coalition has intensified its outreach to the Awami National Party (ANP). Sources said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held detailed discussions with ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan, urging him to support the bill. Aimal Wali reportedly appreciated the prime minister’s decision not to seek immunity, saying it had “won his heart.” He expressed optimism that a consensus could be reached on the renaming issue of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provided his concerns were addressed in the upcoming 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Meanwhile, the opposition bloc has reaffirmed its stance to oppose the amendment head-on, rather than staging a walkout. After chairing a meeting of opposition senators, Allama Nasir Abbas departed for consultations with party leaders, vowing “strong resistance” if the bill is presented for voting.
With both sides locked in political maneuvering, the Senate remains at a standstill, and the future of the 27th Amendment hangs precariously in the balance.
