Three federal ministers have made it clear that there was no deadlock on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill and the legislation is expected to be approved by the Senate today, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Talking to media men at Parliament House on Monday, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that the 27th Constitutional Amendment is expected to be stamped by the Senate today.
He explained that every member must be present in the chamber to cast his or her vote. He added that the government already has the required number of votes to pass the amendment.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was asked by journalists whether the coalition had enough support in the Senate, he smilingly replied, “Yes, Insha’Allah.”
When questioned about Senator Jan Buledi’s stance on the amendment, Dar said, “You’ll find out when the voting takes place.”
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also insisted that there was no deadlock over the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Talking to media persons at the Parliament House in Islamabad, Tarar said the constitution is a living document in which process of evolution continues.
The Information Minister said hectic debate is underway in the Parliament in connection with 27th Constitutional Amendment to ensure good governance, strengthen the bond between the Federation and the provinces and enhance Pakistan's defence might.
He added that the 27th Constitutional Amendment has been drafted while keeping in view the best international practices.
The Minister said the Prime Minister's decision to withdraw immunity in the proposed amendment was a good initiative and welcoming gesture and this clause has been withdrawn by the committee.
Regarding the proposed immunity to the President in the 27th Amendment, he said it is practice in the entire world that the Head of the State enjoys immunity.
About constitutional courts, Tarar said the concept of Constitutional Courts exists in the entire world and the debate for establishing Constitutional Courts was going on since Charter of Democracy was signed.
He said it was a collective demand of PML-N, the PPP and Awami National Party to establish the Constitutional Courts and the debate has reached its logical culmination now.
The Minister said establishing the Constitutional Bench under the 26th Constitutional Amendment has resulted in easing workload and enhancing efficiency of the courts.
Reporter Rozina Ali