Pakistan, May 17 — Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated on Saturday that he found “no signs” of the 28th Constitutional Amendment, but mentioned that when it is presented, it will be reviewed with allied parties. After addressing a conference on minority rights, Tarar explained that constitutional changes cannot be made without discussing with coalition allies.
He mentioned that discussions with all involved parties are currently taking place, and a number of matters are still pending. Tarar explained that certain issues require resolution, but there must be agreement on them.
The law minister stated, ‘Legislation is a continuous process.’
He stated that, regarding the 28th Amendment, all coalition partners would be consulted first. “Constitutional changes can be implemented, [but] only with an agreement,” he mentioned. He noted that the 18th Amendment was also introduced through a consensus among political parties.
In response to a question, Tarar mentioned that matters related to population management and the establishment of Hazara and Saraiki provinces are under consideration. He further noted that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has been advocating for constitutional changes to enhance local governance structures.
Tarar mentioned that the coalition administration has been functioning for many years and has encountered various difficulties, which can only be addressed by reaching an agreement.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated on Thursday that the government had not reached out to him or his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, concerning a constitutional amendment.
“President Zardari and I continue to maintain communication with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but the government has not reached out to the PPP about any constitutional changes,” said the PPP leader during a press conference following the parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad.
“The involvement of the PPP in the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments is clear to all. We did not permit the powers of the provinces to be diminished; rather, we enhanced them. With our amendments, Balochistan’s presence in the Senate was strengthened,” he added.
MQM-P’s prediction
Meanwhile, Farooq Sattar, head of MQM-P, stated on Saturday that the planned constitutional amendment is expected to be introduced prior to the budget announcement. Speaking to a private TV channel, Farooq Sattar mentioned that the MQM’s proposed local bodies amendment was a central element of the 28th constitutional amendment. “All political parties except the People’s Party are backing this amendment,” claimed the MQM leader. “The People’s Party’s assertion that nothing can be accomplished without them will fall apart,” Sattar remarked. “Numerous developments could occur without the involvement of the People’s Party,” he added.
