The PPP and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) reached an agreement on a shared draft of the much-touted constitutional amendments.
The much-talked-about Constitutional Package is legislation proposing a set of constitutional amendments, including the extension of the top judge’s term.
Three separate drafts of the constitutional package were being prepared — one by the government, the second by the PPP, and the third by the JUI-F. A committee, led by PPP’s Khursheed Shah, has the representation of all parties, including the PTI. It was formed by the National Assembly speaker for reconciliation among lawmakers, particularly between the PTI and the government, after a raid by plainclothesmen to round up the PTI men from the Parliament House.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had told media persons in Hyderabad a day ago that there was harmony in the drafts of the PML-N, the PPP and the JUI-F. He said proposals rejected by the JUI-F had been removed from the draft by the government. He said the amendments would be rejected if a consensus could not be reached. He had indicated that amendments that infringed upon fundamental rights or aimed to strengthen some specific institution would not be acceptable.
Fazl visited PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Karachi today. In a press conference after their meeting, he said: “I can say this much after a long discussion that our two parties have agreed on a draft.”
Fazl said he still needed to meet PML-N President Nawaz Sharif tomorrow and desired his agreement, adding that he also had to meet the PTI leadership.
“It will be our effort to create such a consensus in this bill that it is unanimously considered a constitutional amendment.”
He said “serious” talks were held with the PPP and lauded Bilawal for playing a “big role” in achieving the consensus.
Bilawal said there was a further need to build upon the consensus achieved today between the two parties, adding that the PPP was also invited to the Nawaz-Fazl meeting.
He hoped that the PPP-JUI-F consensus would convert into one with the PML-N as well. Bilawal said Fazl was desirous that this consensus included not only the government’s allied parties but also the PTI and other opposition parties.
“If this [consensus] is possible and happens, then it will lend great strength to our constitutional process and it will bring improvement.
“The goal of every one of us is not person-specific or a limitation by the time. Our emphasis … is only on finding solutions to the nation’s problems.”
Bilawal said he hoped that the final bill passed by the National Assembly would be based on the consensus achieved today.
He added that the prevalent environment in the country made it seem unlikely that political parties would talk with one another and agree, further saying that he hoped all issues in the country would be solved by political parties by achieving consensus with one another for the sake of the nation.
To a question, Bilawal said the PML-N was “active in its own way” regarding the constitutional amendment, adding that “we have our own ways and they have another way”.
Some fine bowling from Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson propelled New Zealand into the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a 54-run thrashing of Pakistan in their last group match on Monday.
Off-spinner Carson, who was named player of the match, took 2-7 from her three overs while Kerr ended with 3-14 as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for just 56 in 11.4 overs.
New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off their 20 overs, became the second team from Group A to make it to the last four after holders Australia, who finished on top.
The defeat marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying and meant that India was also eliminated, paying the price for their opening 58-run defeat by New Zealand.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine. “We will certainly celebrate tonight but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to.”
Pakistan needed to reach the target in just 10.4 overs if they were to improve their net run rate enough to overhaul the White Ferns in the table.
But they began their chase on a shaky note, losing openers Aliya Riaz, promoted up to opener, for nought and Muneeba Ali (15) inside the first five overs.
It was downhill thereafter, with Sadaf Shamas (two) being clean bowled by Fran Jonas and Iram Javed (three) being run out by a direct throw from Lea Tahuhu.
Reduced to 28-5 at the end of the powerplay, Pakistan never recovered. Skipper Fatima Sana, who was back with the team after flying home briefly to Pakistan following the death of her father, played a lone hand, making 21 in a lost cause.
“We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding,” said Sana, reflecting on the eight catches that Pakistan put down. “We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kinds of matches.”
New Zealand were off to a steady start after electing to bat first, with Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) sharing 41 runs for the opening wicket.
But Pakistan struck soon after the powerplay, dismissing both openers and Kerr (nine) in quick succession.
Pakistan paid the price for their sloppy fielding with Sidra Amin dropping a sitter off Nida Dar when Sophie Devine was on 14.
Devine, though, failed to capitalise and was scooped up by Sana at long on off Sadia Iqbal for 19.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler, picking up 3-18, including the wicket of Brooke Halliday for 22.
