Constitutional package to be presented in the Parliament after evolving complete consensus on it: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (SABAH): Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the constitutional package will be presented in the Parliament after evolving complete consensus on it.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, Khawaja Asif said it is the utmost desire of the government to develop maximum consensus on the proposed constitutional package. He said it is not aimed at strengthening one individual or a political party but the Parliament in accordance with the Constitution.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the proposed constitutional package remained in discussion within the media and political parties over the last two days. He said the package is an attempt to correct the constitutional imbalances and undo the 19th Amendment, emphasizing there was no politics involved in it.

The Defence Minister pointed out that the PML-N and the PPP had signed the Charter of Democracy and it is our effort to bring amendments in the constitution that aligns with this broad based consensus document. He said the establishment of a Constitutional Court was also a part of the Charter of Democracy. He said there are several countries where these constitutional courts exist. He said there is no political interest if we want to reduce burden on the judiciary and bring ease in the lives of the people.

Responding to the points raised by PTI leader and former speaker national assembly Asad Qaiser, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the process of talks has been started with the Parliamentary Parties in the Senate and National Assembly on the constitutional package. He said it will be our effort to evolve consensus on the document.

Azam Nazeer Tarar asked the opposition parties to come up with positive recommendations instead of undue criticisms, assuring these will be accommodated. He said our aim should be to provide relief to the people suffering over the last seven decades or so.

The Law Minister legislation in line with the constitutional structure is the prerogative of the Parliament. He said the proposed package envisaged formation of the judicial commission as per the spirit of the 18th amendment and it was proposed to empower the judicial commission to evaluate the performance of the judges of the high court.

PPP Leader Syed Naveed Qamar said discussions on the constitutional package should be held in a congenial environment. He urged the Opposition to sit together and work for the betterment of the country.

Shahida Begum of JUI-F said they will be part of any good legislation. She said time warrants that there should be consensus on legislation.

Dr. Farooq Sattar of MQM said strengthening local governments should also be made part of the constitutional package.

Those who also spoke on the occasion were Asad Qaiser and Mahmood Achakzai. The house has now been prorogued.