Punjab Assembly endorses 26th Amendment

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Friday passed a resolution in support of the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment while terming it a historic step that would strengthen the federation and state institutions.

It also stated the historic 26th Amendment would pave the way for judicial reforms, and supremacy of Parliament and put an end to political instability in the country. The resolution was moved by Punjab Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and passed amid a boycott of the Opposition. “The 26th Amendment passed by the Upper and Lower House of Parliament has completed the implementation of the Charter of Democracy and it would ensure a bright democratic future of Pakistan besides putting an end to polarization and political instability,” it added.

The resolution also said that the 26th Amendment had also paved the way for judicial reforms. Over the boycott of the Opposition, the provincial minister stated that, the parliamentary committee comprised opposition senators, MNAs who came up with their opinions. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan sent ruling party MPAs to bring Opposition MPAs back to the House. Moreover, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed concern that the misuse of social media is misleading people. He informed the members that the United Nations Development Programme would be conducting awareness sessions in the Punjab Assembly on creating a safe digital environment. Speaking to the media earlier, the Speaker described the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a crucial step towards aligning the Constitution in the right direction. He praised Justice Qazi Faez Isa for his commendable efforts in ensuring the transparency of judicial appointments under the amendment. “As long as judges are appointed based on personal preferences, issues will remain unresolved,” he remarked. He highlighted that the amendment introduced transparency in the appointment process of superior court judges.

Addressing criticism of Justice Qazi Faez Isa regarding his decision to revoke the “Bat” symbol for elections, the Speaker pointed out the inconsistency in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s approach.