Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated on Sunday that the government, along with its coalition partners, is prepared to propose another constitutional amendment if necessary to ensure stability.
He noted that parliament has the authority to modify the Constitution, and this power could be utilized again should circumstances require it.
While addressing a gathering in Faisalabad, Chaudhry remarked that the 26th and 27th Amendments have fostered stability, and future amendments would follow a similar protocol.
He emphasized that parliament will collaborate with other political parties whenever an amendment is warranted, asserting that the legislature should be acknowledged as the exclusive authority for such decisions.
In response to inquiries about judges resigning after the enactment of the 27th Amendment, Chaudhry dismissed their resignations, attributing them to political motivations rather than constitutional issues.
He emphasized that judges swear an oath to the Constitution and do not function as a collective that resigns whenever changes are made by parliament. He reiterated that the Constitution embodies the collective will of parliament and the populace, rather than the individual preferences of members of the judiciary.
He mentioned that all judiciary-related matters, including salaries and responsibilities, are within the jurisdiction of parliament. He characterized the resignations as being associated with rulings he deemed political in nature.
He also referenced previous court proceedings, including a comment made by former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial during cases involving Imran Khan, noting that the broader context has shifted since that time.
Chaudhry pointed out that there has been significant utilization of suo motu powers in the past, claiming they were employed to unseat elected prime ministers and target governments. He stated that the amendments enacted by parliament were a direct response to that historical pattern.
Regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s choice to abstain from the forthcoming by-elections in Faisalabad, he noted that the party tends to avoid elections where it anticipates facing opposition.
Additionally, he mentioned that security measures for the elections have been finalized through collaboration between the Election Commission of Pakistan and security agencies.
The minister spoke at a press conference held at the Sunni Rizvi Mosque, where he gained support for his brother Bilal Badar Chaudhry in the by-elections. He expressed gratitude to Pir Faiz Rasool Rizvi for the endorsement, indicating that it would significantly influence various constituencies. He conveyed that religious institutions continue to provide guidance to communities and affect decision-making processes.
Chaudhry also passed remarks regarding provincial matters, stating that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) administration has been instructed to operate within constitutional boundaries.
He contrasted this with the progress taking place in Punjab under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, highlighting initiatives in the areas of transport, water, energy, housing, and infrastructure.