No sign of 28th Amendment for now, says law minister

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Saturday said he saw 'no indications' of the 28th Constitutional Amendment, but noted that whenever it is introduced, it would be discussed with coalition partners. Speaking to journalists after a conference on minority rights, Tarar clarified that constitutional amendments are not possible without consultation with coalition partners. He added that meetings with all stakeholders are underway, and several issues remain unresolved. Tarar elaborated that some issues need a solution, but there should be consensus on them. 'Legislation is an ongoing process,' the law minister explained. He asserted that, in the case of the 28th Amendment, all coalition partners would first be taken into confidence. 'The constitutional changes can be introduced, [but] only if an agreement is reached,' he added. He recalled that the 18th Amendment was also introduced with a consensus amongst political parties. To a query, Tarar revealed that the issues of population control and the creation of Hazara and Saraiki provinces are part of ongoing discussions. He also pointed out that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has been demanding constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening local government systems. Tarar said that the coalition government has been in place for several years and has faced multiple challenges, which can only be resolved through consensus. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday said that the government had not contacted him or his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, regarding a constitutional amendment. 'President Zardari and I remain in contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but the government has not contacted the PPP regarding any constitutional amendment,' the PPP chief said at a press conference after chairing the parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad. 'The PPP's role in the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments is evident to everyone. We did not allow the rights of the provinces to be reduced; instead, we expanded them. Through our amendments, Balochistan's representation in the Senate increased,' he added. MQM-P's prediction Meanwhile, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar on Saturday predicted that proposed amendment in the constitution will be introduced before the budget announcement. Talking to a priviate TV channel, Farooq Sattar said that the MQM's proposed local bodies amendment has been a key part of the 28th amendment in the constitution. 'All parties except the People's Party are supporting the amendment,' MQM leader claimed. 'People's Party's claim that nothing could be done without it will collapse,' Sattar said. 'Many things could happen without the People's Party,' he said.