Federal Cabinet Meets to Discuss Key Constitutional Amendments

Today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to lead the federal cabinet in a crucial meeting to discuss the draft for the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Originally scheduled for 9:30 AM, the session has been rescheduled several times and will now take place at 1:30 PM.

The cabinet’s approval is pivotal, as both the National Assembly and Senate are expected to hold sessions today to table the constitutional amendments for discussion and approval. Government sources indicate that the National Assembly Secretariat has received the go-ahead to seek approval for these amendments.

The Legislature Department has prepared a supplementary agenda that will be presented in both legislative bodies once given the green light by the government and the speaker. Although the constitutional amendment is not included in the officially released agendas for today’s sessions, there are indications that it will be introduced by suspending parliamentary rules.

The Senate session, which has faced delays, will now convene at 3 PM under the chairmanship of Yousuf Raza Gilani. In addition to discussing the potential introduction of the constitutional amendments, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will present the Banking Companies Amendment Bill 2024 for Senate approval.

Simultaneously, the National Assembly will also meet at 3 PM, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The agenda includes the presentation of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill 2024 and discussions on various other issues, including non-payment of pensions to retired Radio Pakistan employees.

This legislative activity follows the recent approval of the constitutional amendments draft by a special parliamentary committee, chaired by PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah, aimed at reaching consensus among various political parties.