MQM-P Confirms Ongoing Talks with Government on 27th Amendment
MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar reveals ongoing discussions with the federal government regarding the 27th Constitutional Amendment, emphasizing local bodies' inclusion. While no timeline is set for parliament's introduction, talks continue amid broader political dynamics involving PML-N and PPP.
KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has announced that it is in discussions with federal government representatives concerning the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
In a conversation with Geo News on Tuesday, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar mentioned, “We addressed this issue with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during our meeting, and he assured us that the local bodies clause would be incorporated in the next constitutional amendment.” Sattar, who serves as the senior deputy convener of MQM-P, acknowledged that while discussions about the amendment are ongoing, no specific timeline has been established for its introduction in parliament.
The PML-N-led government has not yet confirmed any plans for further constitutional amendments following the 26th amendment, although there are indications of potential changes. Earlier this month, the government and its allies approved constitutional revisions that empowered parliament to appoint the Supreme Court's chief justice. This move has been criticized by opposition parties as an attempt to undermine the judiciary. “It has been established that parliament is supreme,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated after his ruling coalition secured the necessary two-thirds majority for the 26th amendment since the Constitution was enacted in 1973.
Additionally, sources within MQM-P informed Geo News that the party has set up a committee to foster consensus on the new amendment, with plans to reach out to other political parties in Islamabad soon.
Last week, reports emerged that PM Shehbaz and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari discussed a proposed 27th constitutional amendment focused on provincial rights. The meeting also decided to involve opposition party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), government ally MQM-P, and other parties in discussions regarding the upcoming legislation.
In an appearance on Geo News’ Capital Talk, PML-N leader Tallal Chaudhry remarked that any future amendments would be driven by necessity. When asked about the introduction of a law concerning the minimum number of judges, he responded, “Parliament will decide on that, but the number of judges will exceed 23.
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