Pakistan

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal (left) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. — APP/File  In a bid to secure the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) backing for its much-anticipated constitutional package, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Sunday assured the Karachi-based party of support for the proposed Local Government (LG) amendment bill following key constitutional adjustments.The development came a day after a meeting between the MQM-P delegation and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the former reportedly linked its support for the constitutional amendments to the empowerment of the local bodies.

The MQM-P delegation asked the premier to amend Article 140-A to boost local bodies, local media reported, citing sources.The constitutional package, among other things, aims to set up a federal constitutional court and fix the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years.The government attempted to present the bill to amend the Constitution last month, but its allies as well as members from the opposition benches vehemently opposed the proposal, forcing the PML-N to begin a consultation process. Video 01Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:33Loaded: 17.52%0:00Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently behind liveLIVERemaining Time -0:33 1xPlayback RateChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality LevelsHDHigh DefinitionSDStandard DefinitionAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorTransparencyBackgroundColorTransparencyWindowColorTransparencyFont SizeText Edge StyleFont FamilyReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. In line with the directions of PM Shehbaz, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal visited the MQM-P headquarters in Karachi and assured the MQM-P that they would work on the proposed LG amendment bill after the approval of the constitutional package by parliament.
Addressing a joint press conference flanked by MQM-P Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the federal minister said that they discussed the current political situation in the country.
“The MQM-P’s leadership has been assisting and guiding us [Centre] over all the economic issues.” He said that no democratic party could oppose the constitutional package. “After the constitutional amendment, we will work on the MQM-P’s proposed amendment bill involving the local body governments.”Iqbal said that PML-N and MQM-P would work together to provide constitutional protection to the local governments.The federal minister further said that he assured the MQM-P of starting work on development projects in the metropolis. “Steps would be taken to recover the MQM-P’s missing workers.”He said they respect the MQM-P’s mandate, adding that they were also working on the urban package.For his part, the MQM-P convener said that restoration of Article 140-A was among the top priorities of his party.“We reaffirm our resolve to work together for the prosperity of the country in the current situation and the future,” said Siddiqui. He added that matters related to Article 140-A, the MQM-P’s missing workers and other issues were discussed in the meeting.

Security personnel stand guard in front of the Presidential Palace ahead of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 13, 2024. — AFP ISLAMABAD: A ‘comprehensive’ security plan for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16, has been chalked out with federal authorities preparing to shut down the federal capital.Speaking to journalists, Islamabad Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Nasir Ali Rizvi said that the federal police had developed an integrated security strategy to ensure safety during the event.

“Security personnel will be deployed at funnel areas, hotels and places where foreign delegations are staying,” he said, adding that they ensured the security of foreign leaders, delegations and guests.Furthermore, Rizvi said search and information-based operations were underway, with personnel of the Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies, Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers performing their duties.The police chief pointed out that almost 93% of the police force has been deployed for security arrangements, amounting to over 9,500 officers and personnel. “An integrated traffic plan has also been issued for the convenience of citizens.”Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will be among the senior regional government officials attending the two-day conference on Tuesday and Wednesday (October 15-16).In the weeks leading up to the summit, the government has introduced new laws that restrict protests in the federal capital.They have also arrested hundreds of supporters of the key opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who attempted to march in Islamabad earlier this month, to register a protest for the “independence of the judiciary” and release of its jailed founder Imran Khan.A deadly attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in the mega port city of Karachi last week also deepened security fears.The local administration has banned protests, sit-ins, rallies and public gatherings in Karachi under Section 144 for five days citing security concerns.Meanwhile, Section 144 has also been imposed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi till October 17, with the deployment of troops on the streets for the duration of the summit and closure of Metro Bus Service.Similar restrictions have been imposed in some districts of Punjab, including the provincial capital Lahore.Imtiaz Gul, a security analyst and executive director of the Centre for Research and Security Studies, said the meeting holds great significance for a country that’s “not seen as safe”.”The government claims to have made elaborate security arrangements and understandably so because it has to make sure that the event passes off peacefully without any untoward incident,” he added.Counter allianceThe SCO comprises Pakistan, China, India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus — with 16 more countries affiliated as observers or “dialogue partners”.All visiting member nations are expected to send government heads apart from arch-rival India, who will dispatch its foreign minister in a rare visit to its neighbour.The SCO is sometimes touted as an alternative to the Western-dominated Nato military alliance.Analysts say the SCO is one forum where they are trying to curry regional influence.While the SCO has a mandate to discuss security, the Islamabad summit is due to focus on trade, humanitarian and cultural issues.Protest threatThe country’s domestic concerns are likely to dominate the sidelines of the summit, however.The incarcerated former prime minister’s PTI has threatened to stage protests, a week after scattered demonstrations by supporters saw the capital locked down for three days with mobile phone signal cut and exit and entry points blocked.”The PTI doesn’t want to showcase the positive side of Pakistan to the world,” accused Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal during a press conference Saturday.”Instead, they aim to present a picture of the country filled with tear gas and unrest.”Authorities have declared a three-day public holiday for Islamabad and the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi starting Monday, along with road closures to reduce movement around the area.The “red zone” government quarter hosting the summit meanwhile has been spruced up with manicured lawns ringed by razor wire.It is grappling with a broad uptick in militancy coinciding with the Taliban’s 2021 return to power in neighbouring Afghanistan, where Islamabad say attackers are now taking shelter.

Police arrest participants of ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ after clashes with police outside Karachi Press Club. — Screengrab via Geo NewsKARACHI: Over hundred protesters, including women, have been arrested in parts of the metropolis over violation of Section 144 following clashes with the police.
Separate protests were held in parts of Karachi, including Karachi Press Club and Teen Talwar in Clifton, with TV footage showing police baton charging the protesters and arresting them.

Participants of the ‘Sindh Rawadari March’ clashed with the police outside the press club when they violated Section 144 — banning demonstrations and assemblies of more than five persons across the metropolis.  karachi protestVideo Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 1:31Loaded: 6.47%0:00Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently behind liveLIVERemaining Time -1:31 1xPlayback RateChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality LevelsHDHigh DefinitionSDStandard DefinitionAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorTransparencyBackgroundColorTransparencyWindowColorTransparencyFont SizeText Edge StyleFont FamilyReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. The police officials noted that over 100 protesters, affiliated with separate groups, were taken into custody from different parts of the metropolis, including outside Karachi Press Club, Metropole Hotel and Jinnah Hospital. Moreover, four policemen sustained injuries amid the clashes and have been shifted to hospital. Speaking to journalists, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said that “at least 20 people have been detained so far, including women.”More police personnel have been deployed on all the roads leading to the press club.In another clash near the Governor House, the police fired tear gas shells at the protesters of a religious organisation, which has called a counter-protest at the KPC, forcing its rally to move towards Metropole Hotel. Amid tear-gas shelling, protesters pelted stones at riot police, injuring two cops, while they also reportedly set a police van on fire. Meanwhile, at least 27 protesters were also taken into custody near Teen Talwar in Clifton, including women.Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar stated that the police had detained ‘some protesters’ for violating Section 144, imposed by the Karachi Commissioner.He warned of strict action against those who “took the law into their own hands.”Additionally, the minister confirmed that an investigation had been ordered into the reported ‘manhandling’ of journalists by law enforcement at the Karachi Press Club, vowing action against those responsible.A day earlier, the Karachi commissioner imposed a ban on protests, sit-ins, rallies and public gatherings in Karachi under Section 144 for five days citing security issues. The ban would remain effective from October 13 to 17. A notification was issued by the Karachi commissioner’s office regarding the enforcement of the ban on demonstrations and assembly of more than five persons across the metropolis at the advice of an additional inspector general (AIG) in Karachi.

China’s Premier Li Qiang delivers a speech during the China Development Forum in Beijing, China, on March 24, 2024. —AFPISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Pakistan for four days, starting October 14 (tomorrow). During his stay here, Qiang will attend conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and discuss a range of topics of mutual interest with Pakistan on its sidelines.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Sunday said the Chinese dignitary was visiting Islamabad from October 14-17 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chinese premier to visit Pakistan from Oct 14-17Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:35Loaded: 16.78%0:00Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently behind liveLIVERemaining Time -0:35 1xPlayback RateChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality LevelsHDHigh DefinitionSDStandard DefinitionAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorTransparencyBackgroundColorTransparencyWindowColorTransparencyFont SizeText Edge StyleFont FamilyReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. The Foreign Office said PM Li would be accompanied by ministers and senior officials including those from the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
“PM Shehbaz and Premier Li will lead their respective delegations to comprehensively discuss all aspects of Pakistan-China relations including economic and trade ties and cooperation under the China Pakistan Economic Cooperation (CPEC). The two sides will also discuss regional and global developments,” the statement read.The Chinese premier will call on President Asif Ali Zardari and hold meetings with parliamentary leaders and senior military leadership of Pakistan. He will also attend the SCO meeting in Islamabad.The FO said that Li’s visit to Islamabad is an expression of the importance attached by Pakistan and China to their “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership”.”It will be an occasion for the two sides to reaffirm mutual support on issues of core interest; advance high-quality development of CPEC; and reinforce regular exchanges on important regional and global developments,” it stated. Islamabad is set to host the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting with major foreign leaders on October 15 and 16.According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, PM Shehbaz will preside over the CHG meeting as the current chair.Besides the Chinese premier, PMs of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as the first vice president of Iran and external affairs minister of India will visit Pakistan to represent their respective SCO member states.Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said the Chinese prime minister’s visit and the SCO summit would prove to be a game changer for Pakistan. He said that good progress was being made in the multi-billion-dollar project’s second phase.The minister added that Islamabad had been decorated for the SCO, which would promote economic and regional ties.“Bilateral meetings of heads of state will be held on the sidelines of the SCO summit,” Tarar said.PM Shehbaz offers condolence over death of China’s ex-vice PMMeanwhile, PM Shehbaz on Sunday expressed his deep grief over the death of Wu Bangguo, former Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and former Vice Premier of China.Remembering him as an “outstanding” leader and a “true friend of Pakistan”, he said the late Bangguo made a profound contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China.Bangguo in Beijing on October 8 at the age of 83.”His visit to Pakistan in 2006 remains a significant milestone. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of China in this difficult moment,” Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote on his X account.Born in 1941, Bangguo had served as a member of the Political Bureau and a member of the Secretariat of the 14th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, a member of the Political Bureau of the 15th CPC Central Committee, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 16th and 17th central committees of the CPC, vice premier of the State Council, and chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th and 11th NPCs.

A Metro bus is plying on a road on the right side. — Punjab Transport & Mass Transit Department website/ FileRAWALPINDI: As the federal capital gears up for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the authorities on Sunday announced the suspension of Metro Bus Service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the conduct of the event. The high-level event of global importance is set to take place on October 15 and 16. 

According to a Metro bus official, the district administration issued the orders of temporarily halt in bus operations for four days, starting October 14 and 17.The official said that the bus service would continue to run as usual till October 13.
This comes as another of the multiple measures taken by the government to ensure a trouble-free and smooth conduct of the high-level conference.According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting as the current chair.The prime ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as the first vice president of Iran and external affairs minister of India will visit Pakistan to represent their respective SCO member states.The prime minister of Mongolia, as an observer state, and deputy chairman of the cabinet of ministers and foreign minister of Turkmenistan, as a special guest, will also participate in the meeting.The summit will discuss ongoing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, socio-cultural linkages and review the performance of the organisation.In a bid to maintain the law and order situation during the SCO summit, Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi till October 17.Exercising powers vested under Section 144, the Punjab government has prohibited all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, pillion riding, aerial firing, pigeon flying, use of drones and use of laser lights from October 10 to 17 in Rawalpindi.Separately, the provincial authorities also imposed restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144 in five districts for three days over security concerns.The districts include Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu.Whereas in Karachi, Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi imposed a complete ban on any kind of public gathering within the territorial limit of the provincial capital under the powers delegated by the Sindh home department. Meanwhile, the federal government has announced three-day public holiday for educational institutes in the federal capital territory — October 14 to 16.On October 10, officials also announced the closure of marriage halls, restaurants, and cafes for a period of five days — October 12 to 16 — in the twin cities.Additionally, notices were issued to traders and hotel owners by the police, warning that any violations will result in penalties.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari seen in this image. — Facebook/@BilawalBhuttoZardariPk/file As part of his efforts to further improve his party’s proposed judicial package and take the masses into confidence over the matter, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday shared his party’s proposed draft with the general public and sought their “legitimate meaningful” feedback.
Talking to his X handle, the PPP chairman shared copies of his party’s proposed draft of constitutional amendments and wrote: “I welcome legitimate meaningful feedback back from the public on how to further improve our proposed amendment.”

The former foreign minister said that PPP’s initial proposal aligns with the unfinished agenda of the Charter of Democracy.“PPP’s initial proposal in order to complete the Charter of Democracy’s unfinished judicial reforms agenda.” The historic Charter of Democracy (CoD) aimed at strengthening democracy in the country was signed between slain PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif in 2006. Backing the PML-N-led government, the PPP chairman said that his party proposed the creation of a federal constitutional court, with equal representation of all federating units.“The court would address all issues pertaining to fundamental rights, constitutional interpretation and federal/inter-provincial disputes.”He further said that they also proposed “ending the process of appointment of the judges, by the judges and for the judges”.“Instead, by merging the judicial and parliamentary committees we give an equal role to parliament, judiciary and legal fraternity.”The PPP chief the draft he shared on his X handle was shared with the government months ago and JUI-F weeks ago.

Recently, Bilawal said the draft was also shared with the government and opposition members in the meeting of special parliamentary committee setup to debate and evolve consensus on the contentious legislation. The PPP has already been reaching out separately to political parties, bar associations and civil society as part of our broader countrywide engagement on this important amendment, he added.“We are currently engaged in a meaningful dialogue with JUI[-F], a political party from the opposition benches in an attempt to form a consensus draft.”Bilawal hoped a joint draft can go on to form the basis of a broader consensus of political parties to pass the 26th constitutional amendment.Earlier in the day, yet another meeting of the special parliamentary committee, chaired by PPP’s Syed Khurshid Shah failed to end the deadlock as JUI-F refuses to back the government’s bid to form constitutional court.Meanwhile, the special parliamentary body’s meeting was adjourned till October 17, while a sub-committee was formed to contemplate all the drafts pertaining to the constitutional amendment. The sub-committee will submit its report to the main committee.Firmly sticking to its previous stance, JUI-F refused to back the government’s proposed constitutional package in its current form and suggested to constitute a constitutional bench instead of establishing a separate court to hear constitutional matters.The constitutional package, among other things, aims to set up a federal constitutional court and fix the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years.The government had attempted to present the bill to amend the Constitution last month, but its allies as well as members from the opposition benches vehemently opposed the proposal, forcing the administration to begin a consultation process.

Policemen stand guard outside a polling station during the nationwide general elections in Karachi on February 8, 2024. — AFPKARACHI: Karachi administration has imposed a ban on any all kinds of public gatherings including protests, sit-ins, and rallies across the provincial capital for five days under Section 144 over security concerns.
A notification was issued by the Karachi commissioner’s office on Saturday regarding the enforcement of the ban on demonstrations and assembly of more than five persons across the metropolis at the advice of additional inspector general (AIG) Karachi.

The ban would come into effect from October 13 till 17. The notification stated that the Karachi police chief informed the authorities that “protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, and rallies are going to be held by different factions on same day in the city, which may cause security issues, law and order situation, and inconvenience to the general public”.

— ReporterSubsequently, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi exercised his powers delegated by the Sindh home department imposed a complete ban on any kind of public gathering within the territorial limit of the provincial capital.In a separate decision, the Punjab government imposed restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144 in five districts for three days citing security issues.The districts include Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu.The decision, effective from October 12 to October 14, aims to address security concerns and maintain law and order, according to state-run APP.According to a spokesperson for the home department, all political gatherings, protests, sit-ins, and similar activities are strictly prohibited under this order.The government highlights the potential risks associated with public assemblies, which could become targets for terrorist attacks.The decision was made at the request of the district administration concerned, underscoring the importance of maintaining law and order.The Punjab’s home department has issued an official notification regarding the restrictions.Authorities stress the necessity of ensuring public safety and protecting human lives and property during this period.

A view of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. — Top court’s official website/file The Supreme Court will take up next week a petition seeking to declare proposed constitutional amendment proposed by the coalition government, aimed at introducing judicial reforms including establishing separate court to hear constitutional matters, “ultra vires” the Constitution.
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa will hear the case on October 17. The bench will also include Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, according to a supplementary cause list issued by the registrar’s office.

The petition was filed by former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Abid Shahid Zuberi, Shafqat Mahmood, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Shahab Sarki, Munir Kakar and others.In a constitutional petition filed under Article 184(3), the apex court has been requested to set aside the proposed amendments and declare them “ultra vires” the Constitution, principle of separation of powers, independence of judiciary and fundamental rights enshrined under the law. “It is prayed that the separation of powers and independence of the judiciary and its powers and functions to enforce the fundamental rights be kindly declared as sacrosanct under the Constitution and beyond the power and competence of the Parliament to withdraw, interfere or tamper with in any manner whatsoever,” the petition read.The petitioners requested the court to restrain the federal government from tabling the bill, order the suspension of the operation of the proposed amendments, and stop it from being signed into law by the president of Pakistan even if it sails through both houses of parliament.The constitutional package, among other things, aims to set up a federal constitutional court and fix the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years.The government had attempted to present the bill to amend the Constitution last month, but its allies as well as members from the opposition benches vehemently opposed the proposal, forcing the the rulers to begin a consultation process.It is pertinent to mention here that CJP Isa is set to retire on the 25th of this month. A full court reference for the outgoing top judge has been scheduled for the said date.

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar addresses a press conference in Islamabad. — APP/FileISLAMABAD: Responding to queries related to appointment of new chief justice of Pakistan (CJP), Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Saturday that his ministry has a cut-off date of October 25 for issuing the notification of the appointment of new top judge.
“The notification will be issued InshaAllah,” said Tarar speaking to journalists in Islamabad today, adding that the notification for the new CJP can be issued one or two days ahead of the retirement of the incumbent top judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

“Government will issue the notification on October 24 for the venue of oath-taking ceremony [for new CJP],” he said. chiefVideo Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:44Loaded: 13.28%0:00Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently behind liveLIVERemaining Time -0:44 1xPlayback RateChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality LevelsHDHigh DefinitionSDStandard DefinitionAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorTransparencyBackgroundColorTransparencyWindowColorTransparencyFont SizeText Edge StyleFont FamilyReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. He added that notification of new CJP is issued one or two days before the retirement of the incumbent in line with the tradition.
Detailing reason behind early notification of Justice Isa as the chief justice, the law minister said that it was issued early in view of the formation of the caretaker government. It is noteworthy to mention here the major opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had demanded the federal government for naming the next CJP at the earliest, alleging that the government was planning to extend Justice Isa’s tenure via its judiciary-centric constitutional amendment which the party strongly opposed.The Imran Khan-founded party had announced backing Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who is next in line to become the chief justice, as the next top judge of the country.Tarar, commenting on progress on proposed constitutional amendment, said that the contentious legislation could be passed after before or after October 25 — the day of CJP Isa’s retirement. “We have formed a sub-committee of legal experts to give recommendations to the parliamentary committee […] discussions are underway on four to five items [of the draft amendment],” he added.His statement came after a sitting of the special parliamentary committee — a body led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Syed Khursheed Shah having representation of all parties — formed to discuss the contentious constitutional amendment and evolve a consensus.The proposed amendments, also called constitutional or judicial package, among other things, aims to set up a federal constitutional court and fix the tenure of the CJP for three years.The government had attempted to present the bill to amend the Constitution last month, but its allies as well as members from the opposition benches vehemently opposed the proposal, forcing the administration to begin a consultation process.However, a progress was witnessed in the ongoing consultation process on the 56-point draft as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, a day ago, showed a willingness to support the government’s “constitutional package” with “ifs and buts”.After today’s meeting the Fazl-led party has refused to back the government’s proposal to form separate court to hear constitutional matters, instead proposing to form constitutional bench for such cases.To pass the constitutional amendments, the government needs two-thirds majority in parliament, while it is short of 13 votes in the National Assembly (NA) and nine in the Senate.