PMLN, PPP agree on key constitutional reforms

ISLAMABAD: The PMLN and PPP have made significant progress in their discussions, reaching a consensus on the draft of proposed constitutional amendments. This breakthrough occurred during Thursday’s crucial meeting at the Punjab House between Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister and President of PMLN, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Their talks focused on the current political landscape, emphasizing the Charter of Democracy.

Bilawal proposed various amendments related to constitutional courts and judicial reforms, stressing the need for political consensus on these vital changes. “I hope that proposed constitutional amendments are approved with the consensus of all political parties,” Bilawal said during his discussion with Nawaz Sharif. In response, Nawaz Sharif said: “We stand with every proposal of PPP that aims for the betterment of the country.” According to sources Bilawal informed Nawaz Sharif about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s conditions and suggestions, which were agreed upon and included in the draft of the constitutional amendments. The date for presenting the amendments in parliament will also be decided through consultation.

Bilawal expressed his appreciation for Nawaz Sharif’s political vision, experience and thinking, saying that the country and the nation needed his leadership. Bilawal was accompanied by PPP leaders Yusuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Khursheed Shah, Senator Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar, Raza Rabbani, Jameel Soomro and Murtaza Wahab. Nawaz Sharif was joined by PMLN leaders Ahsan Iqbal, Irfan Siddiqui, Parvez Rasheed, Rana Sanaullah, Maryam Aurangzeb and Murtaza Abbasi among others.

The top PPP and PMLN leadership resolved that all democratic forces must work together to create a justice system through parliament — one in which no individual holds supremacy, but the people do. The meeting centred on the importance of implementing the Charter of Democracy (CoD). They agreed to pursue common goals aimed at fostering development and prosperity and expressed determination to guide Pakistan out of its current political and economic crises.Bilawal reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to creating an atmosphere of consensus to ensure the successful implementation of Charter of Democracy. He also criticised the uncivil political behaviour in Pakistan, blaming it for the ongoing political chaos. “Constitutional amendments are not only necessary but mandatory to ensure swift justice for the common man,” Bilawal said. He said that Pakistan must establish the supremacy of parliament through judicial reforms to move towards development. “Countries progress only when there is a balance of power, and we must address past mistakes through judicial reforms,” he said.

According to an announcement following the meeting, Nawaz Sharif reiterated that all democratic forces must work together to create a justice system through parliament. “The people’s opinions and institutions should be respected, and no individual should have the power to derail a democratic system at will,” he remarked.

Nawaz Sharif said that the signing of the Charter of Democracy in 2006 was a historic decision, giving stability to democracy and allowing parliament to complete its term. He said that as a result of the CoD, political parties united against undemocratic forces and resisted the politics of sit-ins, chaos and disruption. The former prime minister stressed the importance of creating a system of justice through parliament, saying, “No individual should be allowed to plunge the country into darkness.” He also attributed the country’s current economic success to political unity and consensus. He praised Bilawal Bhutto for his political role and contributions.