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Inside Story of Parliamentary Committee Meeting on Constitutional Amendments Revealed
Bilawal Bhutto confronted Maulana Fazlur Rehman over delays in constitutional amendments, stressing national interest.
ND
by News Desk
2024-09-16
Inside Story of Parliamentary Committee Meeting on Constitutional Amendments Revealed

The three-hour-long meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Amendments held last night revealed growing tensions between key political leaders as disagreements over the proposed amendments continue to stall progress.

 

During the meeting, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari engaged in a direct exchange with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Bilawal emphasized that the amendments were not designed for personal or political interests but rather for the national interest and the dignity of Parliament.

 

"The amendments are not for caste, individual, or political interest but for the national interest and the dignity of the Parliament," Bilawal asserted during the meeting. He further added, "You are respected, but even if you don't support, the parliament will run with full force. There is no provision in the amendments that you are not aware of."

 

Bilawal expressed frustration over the delays, saying that the JUI-F leader had been consulted on the amendments until 3 a.m., and questioned why there was hesitation now that there was an agreement in principle.

 

In response, Maulana Fazlur Rehman acknowledged that there was a general consensus on the amendments but insisted that the government should not rush the process. He advised caution, stating, "We have an agreement in principle, but the government should not rush."

 

Bilawal then suggested that both leaders sit together to address any remaining deficiencies. His proposal underscored his urgency to move forward with the amendments, which have already been the subject of considerable debate and negotiations.

 

At one point during the meeting, Bilawal turned to Barrister Gohar and other leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asking whether they had the authority to agree to the amendments. He also brought up PTI founder Imran Khan’s recent critical remarks about Pakistan's Chief Justice and Army Chief, asking the PTI representatives to clarify their stance. The PTI leaders remained silent and did not respond to Bilawal's pointed questions.

 

In a moment of reflection, PTI leader Shibli Faraz paid tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and Maulana Mufti Mehmood, noting the pivotal role their families had played in shaping Pakistan's Constitution. Bilawal responded sharply, stating, "When you are in the opposition, you praise my grandfather, mother, and us, but you forget these ideals when in government."

 

Despite the lengthy discussion, the amendments remain in limbo. The government has struggled to secure support, and the amendments have been postponed indefinitely. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif admitted late last night that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had not given his backing to the government, further complicating the situation.

 

For the past several days, the government has been engaged in frantic efforts to push the amendments forward, but the meeting revealed that significant hurdles remain. With key leaders at odds, the future of the constitutional amendments remains uncertain.

 

 
Tagged:

ppp

juif

parliament

PakistanPolitics

BilawalBhutto

ConstitutionalAmendments
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