Government Faces Challenges in Securing Support for Constitutional Amendments
The political landscape in Pakistan is currently dominated by a strategic numbers game surrounding the proposed constitutional amendments. The government, along with its allies, is heavily focused on securing the backing of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI).
Agreement or Deadlock?
Despite continuous efforts, there is still no clarity on whether Maulana Fazlur Rehman has agreed to support the amendments or if a deadlock persists. The government has yet to present the constitutional amendments to the federal cabinet or parliament, reflecting the delicate nature of the negotiations.
Meetings with Maulana
After a government delegation met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, a delegation from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also arrived at his residence, where they participated in Maghrib prayers. According to reports, Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Ishaq Dar are expected to visit Maulana for further discussions.
JUI’s Caution on Amendment Process
The JUI parliamentary party has emphasized the need for caution, urging the government not to rush the constitutional amendment process. Maulana Fazlur Rehman himself reached the Parliament to present his demands to the special parliamentary committee.
Khurshid Shah’s Remarks
In an informal conversation, Khurshid Shah, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Committee, mentioned that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had expressed a desire to actively participate in the committee’s proceedings. This indicates the Maulana’s ongoing involvement in the process and his influence on the potential outcome.
Maulana’s Position and the Numbers Game
When asked by a journalist whether he stands with democracy or the government, Maulana Fazlur Rehman replied, “I stand with you,” leaving his exact position somewhat ambiguous. However, his stance remains pivotal, as the government requires a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate to pass the constitutional amendments.
The coming days will reveal whether the government can successfully navigate this numbers game and secure the necessary support to move forward with the amendments.