Bilawal made reference to a recent court order that was issued without the knowledge of the CJP on a public holiday, a development he cited as part of the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s legal system
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated his party’s commitment to working collaboratively on constitutional amendments, stating that while the PPP does not face a deadline, the government may have one looming. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Bilawal stressed that the timeline for passing proposed constitutional changes is not a pressing concern for his party but hinted that the government could feel the pressure.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that while the government may seek votes based on conscience, the PPP is still actively seeking consensus across the political spectrum. “Our aim is to work in partnership with all political factions,” he said, emphasizing the importance of including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) in ongoing discussions. Bilawal noted that JUI-F has yet to provide a draft for the proposed amendments, stating that once it is received, the PPP will engage in dialogue with them to determine the best way forward.
Addressing judicial reforms, Bilawal made reference to a recent court order that was issued without the knowledge of the Chief Justice on a public holiday, a development he cited as part of the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s legal system. He reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to judicial reforms and equal rights for provinces, sharing that there was initial agreement on constitutional courts and reforms with Maulana Fazlur Rehman of JUI-F. However, both the PPP and JUI-F have opposed the government’s attempts to amend key articles of the Constitution, specifically Articles 8 and 51.
On the subject of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Bilawal was critical of Imran Khan’s approach to politics, suggesting that Khan has repeatedly missed opportunities to engage meaningfully with the political process. “If Imran Khan had made the right political decisions since April 2022, he would have been prime minister today,” Bilawal said, accusing Khan of prioritizing engagements with the establishment over dialogue with political leaders. He expressed doubts about Khan’s political future, adding, “We formed a committee for political consensus, but PTI boycotted it as well.”
Bilawal’s comments underscore the complexities facing Pakistan’s political landscape as the government grapples with constitutional amendments, judicial reforms, and a fragmented opposition. With pressure mounting on all sides, the PPP’s stance signals a willingness to foster cooperation, though the road ahead appears fraught with challenges.
