As the coalition government remains resolute in its efforts to pass a judiciary-centric constitutional package, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has cautioned of a possible confrontation if the proposed amendments are not enacted before October 25, the retirement date of the current Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Qazi Faez Isa.
Last month, the coalition government attempted, but ultimately failed, to introduce a ‘closely-guarded’ constitutional package amid speculation regarding a potential extension of CJP Isa’s tenure. The failure stemmed largely from JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s refusal to back the government’s judicial reforms, leaving the amendments in limbo.
Despite being short of the required votes — 13 in the National Assembly and nine in the Senate — to secure the two-thirds majority needed for the passage of the constitutional amendments, Bilawal has remained steadfast in his resolve. During an informal conversation with journalists, he emphasized that while the amendments could still be passed after October 25, doing so beforehand would prevent potential unrest.
“This matter will be resolved peacefully if the amendment is passed before October 25. Otherwise, the situation could lead to confrontation,” Bilawal warned. He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the establishment of a constitutional court, a goal rooted in the Charter of Democracy (COD) drafted by his late mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and aligned with the PPP’s manifesto.
Bilawal also underscored the importance of the 18th Amendment, which restored the supremacy of the Constitution and ended the era of dictatorship in Pakistan, further strengthening the democratic framework.
