Copyright brecorder
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq with leading efforts to build consensus among political parties for the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, sources told Business Recorder on Wednesday. To facilitate discussions, the NA Speaker has scheduled a meeting of parliamentary leaders in the Speaker’s Chamber at starting Thursday (today), with invitations already sent to key political parties, including opposition PTI, JUI-F, and coalition partners’ chief whips The meeting will provide a briefing on the proposed constitutional changes and aim to develop a unified strategy for the amendment’s passage. Sources indicated that if consensus is not reached, the government will rely on its majority in the National Assembly. Sadiq is also expected to hold one-on-one discussions with parliamentary leaders ahead of the joint session. Meanwhile, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has instructed all lawmakers and coalition members to ensure their presence in Islamabad for the crucial session. The PML-N-led coalition holds 237 seats in the National Assembly, well above the 224 votes required to pass a constitutional amendment, according to parliamentary sources. The coalition includees 125 seats for PML-N, 74 for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), 22 for Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), five for Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and four for Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). Additionally, smaller parties like PML-Zia, National Party, and BAP, along with four independent lawmakers, support the government. The opposition holds 89 seats. In the Senate, the government’s ruling alliance holds 61 seats, while the opposition controls 35. To pass the amendment in the upper house, the government needs a two-thirds majority – 64 votes. The government may need support from at least three senators from JUI-F or Awami National Party (ANP) to secure the necessary votes. Speaking outside Parliament, MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said the 27th Constitutional Amendment aims to improve governance and strengthen provincial unity. He emphasized that the amendment would enhance judicial efficiency and protect citizens’ rights. He urged political leaders to avoid speculation, stressing that Pakistan is at a critical juncture. He also recalled MQM-P’s advocacy for democratic reforms under the 26th Amendment, asserting that Parliament must serve the public interest. Dr Farooq Sattar, another MQM-P leader, called for empowering local governments to improve governance and suggested that devolution of powers should be included in the amendment. Separately, Senator Faisal Vawda met JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the 27th Amendment. Vawda expressed confidence that the government has enough support for passage and emphasized that national stability and security should take priority over political divides. He clarified that the government is reviewing, not rolling back, the 18th Amendment through mutual consultation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
