A decision has been made to secure the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment from both houses of Parliament by November 14. According to sources, the House Business Advisory Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly, agreed that the amendment would be tabled for approval in the Senate first.
To ensure the passage of the amendment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has cancelled all foreign visits of federal ministers and members of Parliament so that complete attendance can be guaranteed at the time of voting.
In the Senate, 64 votes are required for the approval of the amendment. The government alliance currently holds 61 seats and will need support from at least three members of JUI-F or ANP to achieve the required number.
In the National Assembly, 224 votes are needed to pass the amendment. Sources say the government enjoys the support of 237 members, including 125 from the PML-N, 74 from the PPP, and 22 from the MQM. In addition, five members of the PML, four from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and one each from the PML-Zia, National Party, and BAP are part of the government alliance, along with four independent members.
During the assembly session, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar strongly criticized the 27th Amendment, calling it against the spirit of the Constitution. Meanwhile, Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said attempts to create controversy around the amendment were regrettable and condemnable.
Separately, Senator Faisal Vawda, after meeting JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, said that the numbers required for approval were already sufficient. He added that the discussion with Maulana Fazl focused on the clauses of the amendment, not on vote numbers, and that Maulana would make his own final decision regarding the matter.
