Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government has accepted a proposal from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Fazlur Rehman concerning judicial reforms, particularly rejecting the extension of the Chief Justice of Pakistan's retirement age.
A government delegation comprising Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on the JUI-F chief at his residence on Saturday to discuss the matter.
During the huddle, the delegation shared details about the proposed constitutional amendments and judicial reforms.
It is pertinent to mention here that the government had initially considered extending the retirement age of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, but Mr Fazl advised against it on several occasions.
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But following today's meeting the delegation endorsed Fazlur Rehman's proposal and decided to drop the extension plan.
Instead, the government is now working on a constitutional amendment to establish a constitutional court.
The proposal will be presented in the cabinet meeting tomorrow - September 15, Sunday - and is expected to be introduced in parliament on same day.
According to the details, the top judge of the Clconstitutional court will be appointed from the judges of apex court.
Earlier today, Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar - speaking in the Senate - referred to the Charter of Democracy, stressing that the establishment of a Constitutional Court was one of its provisions.
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"If we can finally do it after 18 years, we should," Dar said, adding that 25% of the Supreme Court's cases are constitutional, and a separate constitutional court would help reduce the backlog.
PTI delegation leaves without agreement
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also arrived at Maulana's residence.
However, the PTI delegation left without reaching an agreement after seeing government delegation there.
Despite being a designated holiday tomorrow both the Senate and National Assembly are scheduled to meet for their regular sessions.
While the constitutional amendment is not officially on the agenda, it may be introduced as a side issue during the meetings.
The Senate is set to meet at 4 PM, while the National Assembly session will begin at 3 PM.
Leaders of ruling party has reportedly secured the necessary support in both houses for the amendment’s passage but is still working to bring Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other coalition members fully on board.
To ensure support, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited lawmakers from coalition parties to a dinner at the PM House, asking all parliamentarians to remain in Islamabad until Monday.
