PML-N, PPP, JUI-F forge consensus on constitutional tweaks in Jati Umra meeting
1. "We will ensure proposed amendments are passed by both Houses of Parliament," says PPP's Bilawal
**LAHORE:** Political heavyweights, including the Sharif brothers, former President Asif Ali Zardari, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, reached a consensus on judicial reforms during a late-night meeting at the Sharif family's Jati Umra residence in Lahore on Wednesday.
President Zardari and Maulana Fazl attended a dinner hosted by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, which was also graced by key figures such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, and JUI-F’s Maulana Asad Mahmood.
Following the discussions regarding the constitutional package, Fazl, Bilawal, and Dar addressed the media. Maulana Fazl announced that a consensus had been achieved on judicial reforms, with further consultations planned for additional proposals.
He mentioned his intention to meet with PTI leadership upon returning to Islamabad to incorporate their input into the constitutional amendment. Fazl reiterated his party's previous rejection of the initial amendment, underscoring that this stance remains unchanged. He emphasized the necessity of resolving significant issues through comprehensive discussions, stating, "If we engage in detailed dialogue on key matters, both the country and the Constitution will be safeguarded."
Bilawal thanked Maulana Fazl for his efforts, highlighting that while the PPP and JUI-F had already reached an agreement, three political parties had now come to a broader consensus. "We seek the supremacy of the Constitution through constitutional courts and demand swift justice," he added. Bilawal further assured that "at the right time, we will ensure the proposed amendments are passed by both Houses of Parliament."
Dar confirmed that the three parties had agreed on judicial reforms and expressed optimism about reaching consensus on additional proposed amendments in the coming days. A day prior, the PPP and JUI-F finalized a draft for the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
During a joint press conference with Bilawal, Maulana Fazl revealed that the consensus resulted from extensive discussions between their parties and commended Bilawal for his crucial role in facilitating their cooperation.
The constitutional package aims to establish a federal constitutional court and set a three-year tenure for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). Last month, the coalition government’s attempt to pass the constitutional package faltered amid speculation regarding a potential extension of CJP Qazi Faez Isa’s tenure. The government struggled to table the amendments in parliament after Maulana Fazl withdrew support for the judicial package, leaving the contentious amendments unresolved.
To pass the constitutional amendments, the government requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, with sources indicating a shortfall of 13 votes in the National Assembly and nine in the Senate.
### NA, Senate Sessions Summoned Today
The federal government has summoned separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate on October 17, the day following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, as the ruling coalition intensified efforts to introduce the much-discussed constitutional package in parliament.
President Asif Ali Zardari called the session of the National Assembly for October 17 at 4 PM and the Senate session for the same day at 3 PM, according to a press release from the President Secretariat. The coalition government is making concerted efforts to build consensus on its controversial constitutional package, with political parties regularly meeting in a special parliamentary committee led by PPP MNA Syed Khursheed Shah to debate the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
