President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initiated efforts for important constitutional amendments, aiming to address judicial reforms and other key issues, the sources close to them said on Monday.
The government is reportedly focusing on increasing the retirement age of judges and expanding the number of judges in the higher judiciary, as part of a broader constitutional package.
The sources said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited members of allied political parties to a dinner tonight, with special attention given to securing the support of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F).
The meeting is expected to discuss the country’s economic situation and seek consensus on the proposed legislation.
Simultaneously, President Zardari has summoned members of the National Assembly and Senators from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to the President House.
Both gatherings are part of coordinated efforts to gain parliamentary backing for the government’s legislative agenda.
According to the insiders’reports, the ruling coalition is close to securing a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. If JUI-F lends its support, the government would only require three additional votes to reach the necessary threshold. The Senate, meanwhile, is expected to provide the 64 votes needed for the passage of the proposed constitutional amendments.
President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with JUI-F ChiefMaulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that Fazlur Rehman would reject the “disruptive politics” of certain opposition elements.
He also assured that the government would make every effort to address the JUI leader’s concerns.
Following the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman signaled his readiness to cooperate with the government, stating, “Whether it’s Form 45 or Form 47, this is the government we have to work with.”
The next few days will be crucial as the government works to consolidate its majority and advance its legislative agenda.