Sunday, October 20th, 2024
26th Constitutional Amendment: A Step Toward or Away from Democracy?
Qamar Bashir Today marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s legislative history with the passing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment by the Senate, with a narrow margin of just one vote. The PTI, labeling the process illegal and unconstitutional, abstained from voting and predicted the bill’s eventual reversal. While the Senate’s approval is an important step, the amendment now faces a rigorous test in the National Assembly, where the government has gained strategic leverage by bringing Maulana Fazlur Rehman on board, effectively distancing him from PTI’s opposition. In a calculated move,Read More
PTI Ali Zafar calls process ‘unconstitutional’
Parliamentary leader alleges individuals being coerced into voting, says genuine consent not involved Saifullah Ansar ISLAMABAD: During his speech in a Senate session on Sunday, the parliamentary leader for PTI expressed his concerns, stating that the constitution unites the people rather than divides them. He argued that without consensus on a constitution, it loses its legitimacy. He drew comparisons to the 1956 and 1962 constitutions, noting that both lacked national consensus and ultimately failed. “The 1956 constitution did not have the support of the nation, and it died out. Similarly,Read More
Senate passes 26th constitutional amendment bill
ISLAMABAD, OCT 20: Following multiple delays and much controversy, the Senate has passed the Constitution (26th Amendment) Act, 2024, with members of the House voting in favour of 22 clauses. The bill, better known as the Constitutional Package, is legislation proposing a set of constitutional amendments, including the extension of the chief justice’s term. A special parliamentary committee formed last month — which has the representation of all parties, including the PTI — had been discussing various proposals. The bill, which was approved by the federal cabinet earlier in the day with the consensus ofRead More
Dengue cases surge with 97 new infections reported
LAHORE, OCT 20 (DNA) — Punjab continues to face a rise in Dengue cases as the Health Department reported 97 new infections on Sunday. Rawalpindi remains the epicenter, accounting for 84 of the new cases, while Lahore and Sialkot each recorded 3. Other districts like Attock and Chakwal reported 2 cases each, with one case each in Gujranwala, Sargodha, and Bahawalnagar. Over the last week, a total of 826 new cases were identified, raising the cumulative count for 2024 to 4,217 in the province. The health authorities reassured the public thatRead More
PTI will not vote on constitutional amendment, reiterates Barrister Gohar
ISLAMABAD, OCT 20: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated on Sunday that his party will not vote on the constitutional amendment. Speaking to the media flanked by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Khan said: “We have made considerations on the draft proposed by the government. We understand the matters pertaining to the constitutional amendment with depth.” “Bringing the amendment in the constitution is a serious matter,” he added. Acknowledging the role of Rehman, Khan said: “We would like to express our gratitude to Fazlur Rehman on behalfRead More
Govt finally tables 26th Amendment Bill in Senate
ISLAMABAD: The long-awaited 26th Amendment Bill, aimed at enforcing judicial reforms that have been a bone of contention between the government and the opposition, especially the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was finally introduced in the Senate on Sunday evening after weeks of political wrangling. The bill was tabled hours after the federal cabinet approved the draft amendments after hanging in balance for weeks. The political leaders continued to hold consultations on the constitutional tweaks till late Saturday night, with uncertainty regarding the tabling of the draft due to severe opposition fromRead More