Bilawal Bhutto says his party & JUI-F chief reached a 100% consensus on the proposed constitutional amendment

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (SABAH): After holding back-to-back meetings with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday said that his party and the JUI-F chief have reached a 100% consensus on the proposed constitutional amendment.

Talking to journalists following his fresh meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Bhutto said that he was in consistent contact with the latter on the matter related to constitutional amendment. “We have reached consensus over legislation on judicial reforms.”

The PPP chairman said that he wished Maulana Fazl to table the 26th constitution amendment bill in parliament as “the draft is the same as Maulana Fazlur Rehman wanted”. Responding to a question, the PPP leader expressed hope that the JUI-F could convince PTI to vote for the constitution amendment bill. “PTI can vote for the Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s draft.”

Referring to PTI’s past “political behaviour”, Bilawal said: “PTI should prove that it is a political party.” “Politics is the name of seeking consensus and reconciliation,” the PPP chairman advised the PTI.

He was of the view that PTI should have introduced judicial reforms during its tenure instead of him and added that that the government should not table the constitutional amendment bill in parliament.

To another query, the PPP chairman said: “Both the parties [PPP and JUI-F] have agreed on constitutional reforms. The joint draft was authored by the JUI-F chief.”

At the same time, Bilawal lauded the PML-N-led federal government for showing patience over the matter.

Bilawal Bhutto urged political parties to collaborate in strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of Parliament. He said the process of legislation is moving forward at a rapid pace.

He said that there is a complete consensus on the constitutional amendment between the PPP and Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that politics requires compromises and wise decision-making.

The PPP Chairman called on the PTI to behave in a constructive and serious manner to demonstrate that they are a legitimate political party, rather than merely a group of social media conspirators.

For his part, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri confirmed that both parties have agreed on a joint draft of the constitutional package and lauded Bilawal’s efforts in this regard. Responding to a question, he said: “We are waiting for PTI’s delegation [to discuss the draft].” All political forces, including PML-N and PTI, will soon agree on the judicial reforms, he hoped.