The Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected a petition that sought to contest the 26th Constitutional Amendment, following the petitioners’ decision to withdraw their case.
The decision was made during a hearing before a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Advocate Hamid Khan, representing the petitioners, informed the court of their intention to withdraw the appeal.
In response, Chief Justice Isa questioned whether Hamid Khan had specifically been engaged for the withdrawal or if Abid Zuberi could have presented the request himself. Hamid confirmed that he was representing all petitioners in the case.
Chief Justice Isa also noted that a pending petition filed by Advocate Abid Zuberi had not yet been scheduled for a hearing but could be taken up at a later date.
Following the withdrawal request, the Supreme Court formally dismissed the petition against the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
JUI-F, PML-N, PPP reach breakthrough in talks on Constitutional Amendment
In a related development, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have reached a consensus on judicial reforms under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, although discussions on other issues are ongoing.
Following a dinner at Jati Umra, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a joint press conference. Rehman announced that the three parties had agreed on judicial reforms but were still negotiating other matters.
Rehman also revealed plans to meet with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to seek their support for the proposed reforms. “We are working towards building consensus on other points as well, and I will also engage PTI on judicial reforms,” he said.
He added that if the government agrees to JUI-F’s draft proposal, they will proceed, but if not, they will continue to reject it as they have before. Discussions on the constitutional draft are still ongoing, and efforts are being made to reach a final agreement.
Bilawal Bhutto expressed optimism that after thorough consultations, the amendment will soon be presented. “We’ve reached consensus on judicial reforms, and PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F are committed to pushing forward necessary changes,” he stated.
DPM Ishaq Dar confirmed the agreement, noting that the judicial reforms would ensure faster and more transparent justice for the people.
The gathering at Jati Umra was hosted by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and was attended by key figures such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Attorney General Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Sources indicated that while minor concerns raised by JUI-F are being addressed, a detailed parliamentary strategy has been outlined to ensure sufficient support for the amendment’s passage. The joint draft of the 26th Amendment is expected to be presented in the National Assembly on October 18 with backing from all allied parties.
