Amid speculation that the ruling alliance plans to introduce a judiciary-centric bill in Parliament, Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar denied reports that the constitutional amendment bill cannot be introduced in the joint session.
Tarar made the remarks amid rumours that the current government is considering amendments to extend the tenure of judges and amend the law on the appointment of Supreme Court judges based on the principle of seniority.
The speculation gained traction after reports emerged that the federal government plans to convene a joint session on August 28 to introduce key legislation.
Asked about the ongoing constitutional reforms on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, Tarar categorically denied the rumoured plan of the federal government to extend the tenure of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
He also made it clear that no constitutional amendments could be submitted during a joint session of both houses.
The minister added that no reforms regarding the judicial system or extension of the term of judges were being considered.
“The Legislative Committee has not discussed any reforms regarding the judicial system recently,” he said.
The information minister said these speculations were false as President Asif Ali Zardari had convened a regular session of parliament, but acknowledged that a joint sitting could be held next week where lawmakers would consider pending bills.
Tarar, leader of the ruling PML-N party, said discussions on extending the term of judges were held a few months ago but it is not on the government’s agenda as of now.
Raising doubts about the appointment of the Chief Justice, the Minister said he was not considering recommending early issuance of notification for the appointment of the next Chief Justice.
Notably, ahead of the scheduled joint sitting of Parliament, President Zardari convened a meeting of the National Assembly on Monday, August 26 and the Senate on Tuesday, August 27, under Article 54(1) of the Constitution.
Ahead of the crucial session, the ruling PML-N has sought a vote of confidence from its main ally, the PPP, on key bills, sources told Geo News after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari earlier this week.
President Zardari held a key meeting with the organisation’s head Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad early today amid reports that a joint meeting would be held next week.
The meeting between President Zardari and Prime Minister Maulana Fazl came just a day after Fazl “reached an agreement” on cooperation with the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in the National Assembly and the Senate.
At this crucial meeting, the party founded by Imran and the religious party led by Fazl agreed to work together in parliament.
Speculations about an extension to the CJP’s term emerged a few months ago, raising serious concerns from the embattled former ruling party, which was strongly opposed to the coalition’s move.
However, responding to PTI’s allegations, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar denied the rumours and said that CJP Isa was not interested in an extension.
But as reported by The News, he confirmed last month that the Federal Government was working on pension reforms, which included a proposal to raise the retirement age by two years for all sectors, including judges.
