Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is close to reaching a consensus with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on the 26th Amendment draft, according to PTI chairman Barrister Gohar.
After talks with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Gohar stated that PTI is nearly ready to finalize the agreement, awaiting input from Imran Khan. This follows the announcement from a special parliamentary committee that it has reached a consensus on the amendment.
“We are close to an agreement with Maulana sahib. Once Imran Khan provides his input tomorrow, we will present the draft,” Gohar said, indicating that final adjustments are in progress.
Gohar noted that the discussions were initiated at Imran Khan’s request. Despite hopes to finalize the agreement the previous day, further discussions were needed.
He clarified that the fourth draft under consideration aligns with what is being discussed with JUI-F. PTI plans to formally request a meeting with Imran Khan the next day for his approval of the final draft. “We have not been allowed to meet Imran for two weeks,” Gohar pointed out, citing difficulties in accessing their imprisoned leader.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s special committee announced it had reached consensus on the 26th constitutional amendment and approved a final draft, as confirmed by committee head Khursheed Shah.
However, PTI members expressed reservations, linking final approval to a meeting with Imran Khan. Political activity surrounding the amendment has intensified, including high-profile meetings and discussions about lawmakers’ rights.
On Friday, alongside the committee meeting, both Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Barrister Gohar Khan met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman to address concerns over the proposed bill and related human rights issues.
Despite speculation about a cabinet session to approve the draft, two cabinet ministers confirmed that no meeting took place. Both houses of Parliament are scheduled to meet on Saturday, and a cabinet meeting is expected to discuss the draft.
The final draft stipulates that the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) will be appointed based on recommendations from a 12-member Special Parliamentary Committee, which will forward the nominee’s name to the prime minister for the president’s approval.
The draft also states that the CJP’s term will be three years, or until resignation, reaching age 65, or removal, whichever occurs first. It prohibits the Supreme Court from acting beyond the scope of filed applications.
Additionally, the draft includes amendments that limit high court judge appointments to citizens over 40, mandate annual performance evaluations for judges, and entitle citizens to a clean and sustainable environment.
It further sets a deadline of January 1, 2028, for eliminating interest from the state, as proposed by JUI-F, and clarifies that any advice given to the president by the cabinet or prime minister is not subject to judicial review.
