The government has decided to present judicial reforms in the Parliament tomorrow, particularly regarding the extension of judges' tenure. According to sources, the Prime Minister has informed his allies and parliamentarians of this decision and has instructed them to ensure their attendance in Parliament tomorrow.
There had been speculation that the constitutional amendment regarding judicial reforms would be presented in the National Assembly today. However, as time passed, it was reported that the amendment is more likely to be presented on Sunday.
After Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed PML-N members and coalition allies to stay in Islamabad until Monday, it fueled speculation that the bill would not be introduced today.
It is expected that the constitutional amendment will increase the retirement age for Supreme Court judges to 68 years and for High Court judges to 65 years. Additionally, the Chief Justice's term will be extended by three years.
Government circles indicated yesterday that they have secured the required numbers for the constitutional amendment, with four PTI-backed members expected to vote in favor.
Sources also revealed that two members from Central Punjab, affiliated with the Sunni Ittehad Council, may vote in favor, along with one member from the former FATA region and one from South Punjab.
Both of these members are currently independent but are seated with the opposition. The government has called sessions of both the Senate and the National Assembly tomorrow to present the constitutional amendment. The government claims that they have the necessary numbers to pass the amendment in both houses.
PML-N Parliamentary Party Meeting and Allies' Dinner
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner at the Prime Minister's House in honor of parliamentarians, with members of allied parties in attendance.
According to sources, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the allies for their cooperation, saying that their support has been consistent during crucial times.
The Prime Minister also briefed the participants on the current political situation in the country, emphasizing that overcoming uncertainty and economic challenges is the top priority.
He instructed all members to remain in Islamabad and ensure their presence at tomorrow's parliamentary session. In his address, the Prime Minister stated that the country can no longer afford instability, and forces creating chaos must be boycotted.
Allied party leaders expressed full confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar briefed participants on the legislative process, stating that the federal cabinet will first hold a meeting, after which legislation will be introduced in the National Assembly with the cabinet’s approval.
The Prime Minister also provided updates on the IMF situation.
The government aims to pass a key constitutional amendment concerning the judiciary, for which it needs a two-thirds majority, meaning 224 out of 336 members must support the bill.
Currently, the National Assembly has 312 members, with 24 seats, including those for women and minorities, either vacant or disputed, awaiting notification.
The government has 213 members, including 111 from PML-N, 68 from PPP, 22 from MQM, five from PML-Q, four from Istehkam Pakistan Party, and one each from Muslim League Zia, National Party, and Balochistan Awami Party.
The opposition consists of 101 members, including 80 from Sunni Ittehad Council, six independents, eight from JUI-F, and one each from BNP, Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party.
The PPP has won the by-election in Rahim Yar Khan, and if JUI-F is added, the government's total reaches 222 members, leaving them needing just two more independent members to secure the majority.
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