PTI’s Gohar calls it an ‘attack on parliament’; Fazl warns coercive changes will erode public trust
ISLAMABAD:
Opposition lawmakers on Wednesday came out all guns blazing in the National Assembly against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which has stirred up a political storm in the country at a time when the apex court is already seized with petitions challenging the 26th Amendment.
Speaking on the floor of the lower house of parliament, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denounced the new proposed changes to the 1973 Constitution as “an attack on the House,” vowing that his party would continue to raise its voice against the move.
Recalling the events surrounding the passage of the 26th Amendment, Gohar said that the PTI, along with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, had made “great efforts” to block it.
“Maybe this time we won’t need to visit his (Fazl’s) residence or sit with you in a committee,” he said, directly addressing the deputy speaker who was chairing the session. “We will raise our voice against it, as it is an attack on the House,” he added.
“Whenever there is a constitutional amendment anywhere in the world, it is done through consensus and in accordance with the country’s needs,” the PTI chairman said.
He described the 27th Amendment as “against the spirit of this House and the Constitution,” warning that the country cannot afford further divisions. He also urged that no amendments be introduced that puts the judiciary under more pressure.
“Amending the Constitution is the right of this House – and this House belongs to those who have people’s mandate,” Gohar said. “Our democracy is fragile; the people have no faith in the courts.”
He reminded the deputy speaker that when the 18th Amendment was passed in 2010, it had been enacted “with consensus and in unity with the people.”
“The world acknowledged and celebrated it,” Gohar said. “However, when you presented the 26th Amendment, you brought 56 amendments, which were reduced to 25, then 18. We strongly opposed four of those amendments, including the constitutional bench, the tenure of judges, and the preservation of the Election Commission.
“This is a time when the nation is divided; tensions are running high, terrorism is on the rise, the [trade] deficit is rising, and people cannot bear further problems. Please, be concerned about Pakistan’s security,” he said addressing the treasury benches.
Following the opposition’s onslaught, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry dismissed what he described as “false and misleading propaganda” suggesting that the government intended to roll back the 18th Constitutional Amendment through the 27th Amendment.
He made it clear that neither the ruling party nor the prime minister had any intention of reversing the 18th Amendment. “Let me make it absolutely clear — there is no move to roll back the 18th Amendment through the 27th Amendment. Such politically motivated propaganda must stop,” he added.
Chaudhry said the proposed amendment was being misrepresented by some political circles for personal gain. He reaffirmed that the government was fully committed to upholding the spirit of the Constitution and strengthening parliamentary democracy.
He clarified that discussions on the proposed 27th Amendment were still premature since the official draft had not yet been presented in the National Assembly.
“It would be more appropriate for members to give their views once the document is formally tabled,” he said, adding that the current comments were based only on speculation. “Once the draft is presented, every member will have a chance to review its contents and raise objections if necessary,” he added.
Responding to criticism about the government’s mandate, Chaudhry said that although every election has faced scrutiny, the current assemblies have a legitimate mandate. “If anyone has concerns about the election results, they should go to the court instead of questioning parliament’s authority,” he said.
The minister said the Constitution was a “living document” and that any amendment required a two-thirds majority in parliament. “Consensus is desirable, but constitutionally, amendments are passed with a two-thirds majority,” he explained.
He said the purpose of the 27th Amendment was to strengthen the federation and promote cooperation among the provinces, not to weaken provincial autonomy.
The minister added that the draft amendment would first be presented before the Senate and National Assembly and then shared with all parliamentary committees for detailed review and input. “We will provide the draft for review and hold discussions afterward. Please do not make it controversial before it is even tabled,” he added.
Chaudhry said the government believed in dialogue, not confrontation. “We are committed to strengthening the federation and promoting unity among all provinces. No step will be taken that weakens national harmony,” he said.
Referring to remarks about Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the minister appreciated members for highlighting the province’s issues, particularly terrorism. “I appreciate that our colleagues mentioned K-P and its challenges, especially the people’s courage in fighting terrorism for years,” he said.
He added that the federal government stood with the people of K-P and other provinces in addressing national issues, including terrorism and economic difficulties.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over reports of a new amendment being prepared under external influence, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned that the Constitution must not be turned into a “plaything”.
Speaking after a meeting with Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Achakzai, he said coercive constitutional changes would erode public trust, adding that the opposition had not yet received the draft of the 27th Amendment but would form a joint stance once it did.
He revealed that a minister had been working on the amendment for three months, implying that the proposal had not originated from within the government. “When amendments are made under pressure, what confidence will remain in the Constitution?” he questioned, recalling that his party had earlier forced the withdrawal of 34 clauses from the 26th Amendment.
Following the meeting, PTI leader Asad Qaiser told reporters that the opposition would take a united position in parliament and decide a collective strategy. Thanking Fazl for hosting the dinner meeting, Qaiser said the JUI-F chief had expressed full support for Achakzai and urged that his notification as opposition leader be issued without delay.
