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ISLAMABAD, Nov 04 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday that the government would present the proposed 27th Constitutional amendment in Parliament after completing consultations with all coalition partners and following due legal process.
Speaking in the Senate, Dar said it was the government’s constitutional duty to introduce such amendments. “There should be no confusion about who will present the bill, it is the government’s responsibility to do so,” he added.
He recalled his role in earlier constitutional reforms, including the annulment of Article 58(2) (b) and said he fully understood the importance of adhering to legal procedures. “We will move forward in line with the constitution and the law, giving every member the right to debate and share their opinion,” he added.
Dar assured that the amendment would not be passed in haste and would first be examined by the relevant committees before voting.
He emphasized that the government valued the input of its allies and had already held several rounds of discussions with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and also consulted with other allies including the MQM, ANP and BAP. “We will take all coalition partners on board before finalizing the draft,” he said.
Dar suggested that, given the Senate’s experience in detailed lawmaking, the amendment could first be introduced in the Upper House before moving to the National Assembly. “If the House wishes, I will recommend that it be tabled here first for a thorough and constructive debate,” he said.
He proposed that the bill, once introduced, be referred to the Senate’s Law Committee headed by Senator Farooq H. Naek, while also inviting members of the National Assembly’s Law Committee to participate. “This will help create a joint parliamentary mechanism and improve the quality of legislation,” he added.
Da clarified that the amendment was entirely a government initiative, not influenced by any external source. “This is not an imported idea, it is being prepared responsibly by the government after consulting coalition partners and legal experts,” he said.
Dar also spoke about Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to help end the ongoing violence in Gaza.
He said Pakistan along with seven other Muslim countries had been working actively to stop the bloodshed and restore peace in Palestine.
He said he recently attended a meeting in Istanbul with foreign ministers and heads of state from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan to push for a ceasefire and humanitarian access.
“The main objectives were to secure a ceasefire, ensure the flow of humanitarian aid, help displaced Palestinians return home and prevent further Israeli expansion in the West Bank,” he said.
Dar said Pakistan had so far sent over 2,200 metric tons of relief goods to Gaza since the start of the crisis.
He said Turkey and Saudi Arabia had proposed another meeting to review the situation and devise a way forward.
Responding to a point raised by Senator Ali Zafar, Ishaq Dar said the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate must be made strictly according to the rules.
He said it was the Senate Chairman’s duty to ensure that the person commanding the majority on opposition benches is formally appointed.
“There is no obstruction from the government side, once the process is complete, the Chairman should proceed accordingly,” he added.