The federal cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is set to convene today to discuss the draft of critical constitutional amendments, specifically the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Originally scheduled for 9:30 am, the meeting has been postponed twice, now set for 1:30 pm. The cabinet is expected to approve the amendment draft, which will then be presented in the National Assembly and Senate for approval in their respective sessions later today.
The government has reportedly given the green light to the National Assembly Secretariat to expedite the approval of these amendments. Government sources indicate that a supplementary agenda for the 26th amendment has been prepared by the Legislature Department, and it will be introduced in both houses once authorized by the government and the speaker. The amendment is anticipated to be presented by suspending parliamentary rules, though it is not yet listed on the official agendas of either the Senate or the National Assembly.
Read More: Govt Again Fails to Present 26th Amendment in Senate
The Senate session, initially scheduled for 11 am, has been rescheduled to 3 pm under the chairmanship of Yousuf Raza Gilani. A six-point agenda has been issued, but the constitutional amendment is still absent, suggesting that a supplementary agenda may be introduced during the session. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar is also expected to present the Banking Companies Amendment Bill 2024 for Senate approval, with a motion to suspend the usual question-hour.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, will also meet at 3 pm. Like the Senate, the National Assembly’s nine-point agenda does not yet include the constitutional amendment bill, but a supplementary agenda could be added later. Key items on the agenda include the approval of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill 2024 and addressing call-attention notices related to tax collection and non-payment of pensions to retired Radio Pakistan employees.
The special parliamentary committee, led by PPP’s Syed Khursheed Shah, had approved the draft of the constitutional amendments on Friday following multi-party discussions to reach a consensus. This draft will now be tabled for final approval in today’s legislative sessions.
