Security Tightens as Pakistan National Assembly Faces Intense Political Activity

Pakistan's National Assembly enforces strict security, allowing only media with session-long press gallery cards. The agenda skips the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment but includes a legal aid bill. PTI boycotts the amendment process, while PPP aims for consensus amid high-level political discussions.

Strict security protocols have been enforced for Sunday's session of the National Assembly of Pakistan, with guest entries strictly prohibited, according to an official spokesperson. Only media representatives with comprehensive session press gallery credentials from the Directorate General of Media, National Assembly Secretariat, are permitted access to the Parliament House, as reported by the Express Tribune.

In efforts to bolster security measures, the issuance of one-day press cards has been halted, restricting access at Parliament's Gate 1 to pre-approved cameramen. Journalists are advised to carry their press gallery cards for identification purposes due to heightened security concerns. The National Assembly has announced a nine-item agenda for today's session, notably excluding the 26th Constitutional Amendment—an issue at the center of recent political discourse.

Nonetheless, the agenda includes the 2024 Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill slated for approval, and a call attention notice related to substantial fraud and theft in General Sales Tax collection, submitted by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) members, is also set for discussion. The National Assembly meeting is scheduled for 6 PM, with the Senate session preceding at 3 PM. The highly anticipated constitutional amendments were expected to be introduced post-discussions at Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence, reported the Express Tribune.

Throughout the weekend, Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence became a political nexus, attracting influential figures like Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, and Balochistan National Party (Mengal) leader Akhtar Mengal for strategic discussions. Previously, Fazlur Rehman revealed that PTI requested additional time to finalize its stance on the constitutional amendment, indicating that once they communicated their position, the bill would be introduced in parliament for consensus-based approval.

However, earlier today, PTI declared its decision to boycott the voting procedure in both the National Assembly and Senate concerning the 26th Constitutional Amendments, labeling the process as "non-transparent" and "controversial." The move came after a political committee meeting held within the party.

In contrast, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned the opposition that should his ultimate attempt to secure support for the 26th constitutional amendment fail, he would proceed with alternative plans to amend the Constitution with a two-thirds majority, as reported by the Express Tribune. He urged JUI-F to ensure its members voted in favor, while also striving to rally PTI MNAs to support the matter in the National Assembly.

"But if my last attempt fails, we should pray for democracy, for the federation, for political stability, and for the integrity of Pakistan," he stated. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)