ISLAMABAD: Government has ‘summoned’ session of National Assembly (NA) for passage of proposed constitutional amendment.

As per details, proposed draft for 26th amendment in Constitution will be presented before lower house of Parliament on October 18. Government has also decided to get 26th constitutional amendment passed from Senate of Pakistan first as upper house session is likely to be summoned on October 17. Sources said lawmakers have been directed to reach Islamabad today. Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that parties have reached near to consensus over constitutional amendments. Talking to media JUI leader said that an agreement has developed over drafts shared among parties.  

According to sources, over 20 clauses are expected to be included in proposed changes, affecting various key articles in Pakistan’s Constitution, including Articles 51, 63, 175, and 187. Constitutional amendments include increasing representation for Balochistan in provincial assembly. Proposal aims to raise number of seats in Balochistan Assembly from 65 to 81, move intended to ensure better representation of province in legislative matters. Another constitutional amendment, Article 63, deals with disqualification of members of Parliament and will also undergo significant changes. These changes include provisions regarding voting behaviour of defecting members of assembly.