JUI-F rules out Constitutional amendments sans PTI
1. Senator says PTI cannot be ignored as any tweaks to Constitution without it will not be consensus-oriented
**Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the proposed constitutional amendments by the ruling coalition, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has ruled out any changes to the Constitution without the involvement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).**
Speaking on Geo News’ program *Capital Talk* on Monday, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasized that the PTI’s inclusion is essential, stating that the Constitution cannot be considered consensual if the party founded by Imran Khan is not on board.
The senator’s comments come as the government intensifies efforts to gain the JUI-F’s support for passing a constitutional package that includes a fixed three-year tenure for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and the creation of a constitutional court.
A day earlier, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman suggested that the party was close to reaching an agreement with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Addressing reporters, Fazl warned that the government's proposed amendments could compromise judicial independence and the public interest, according to *The News*.
"It is our duty to maintain a balance among all institutions. We are nearly at a consensus," Fazl stated, adding that he would meet with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday (today).
The discussions follow a phone call between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal, where they deliberated over the proposed constitutional amendments. Bilawal had previously made his party's draft public, advocating for a constitutional court.
The JUI-F has submitted its own version of the *Constitution (26th Amendment) Bill, 2024*, proposing the formation of constitutional benches in the Supreme Court and high courts, instead of establishing a separate constitutional court as promoted by the PPP. Their draft also suggests provisions for reappointments and service extensions for military chiefs.
Senator Murtaza elaborated on his party’s position, recommending that constitutional benches operate within the Supreme Court for an initial five-year period, after which their structure can be reassessed.
Additionally, the senator claimed to have personal knowledge that the outgoing CJP Qazi Faez Isa—set to retire on October 25—has already booked travel to Istanbul and Umrah, indicating his preparedness for retirement.
Meanwhile, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser confirmed that representatives of PTI and JUI-F will meet on October 17 to further discuss the proposed constitutional amendments.
