Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has confirmed that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will become the next Chief Justice of Pakistan, dispelling any uncertainty around the appointment. Speaking to a private news channel, Bilawal said, “On October 26, Justice Mansoor will become the next chief justice — no doubt.”
This clarification comes amidst ongoing debates regarding the government’s proposed constitutional amendments, which were rumored to include provisions for extending the retirement age of judges and possibly extending the tenure of the current Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa. However, efforts to table the amendments in Parliament have been delayed due to a lack of support, particularly from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Despite repeated claims from the ruling coalition of having the required support to pass the “controversial” constitutional package, the initiative has been postponed. Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui confirmed that the government had “postponed indefinitely” its plan to present the package in Parliament.
Bilawal also lamented the lack of progress in both the judiciary and Parliament, highlighting that the Supreme Court’s political cases, which make up 15% of its workload, consume 90% of the court’s time. He emphasized the need for judicial reforms and reiterated the long-standing demand for the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as agreed under the Charter of Democracy.
The PPP chief expressed his desire for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to play a constructive role as the Opposition but expressed frustration over Imran Khan’s recent statements, which he said undermined any engagement with the government on constitutional amendments. Bilawal also acknowledged that the government currently lacks the numbers needed to pass the constitutional package in Parliament.
Bilawal disclosed that the PPP is preparing its own draft regarding the formation of a constitutional court and will share it with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while the JUI-F is reportedly working on its own draft. Both parties are working to reach a consensus on a joint proposal. Maulana Fazlur Rehman has emphasized the importance of including opposition parties, particularly the PTI, in discussions on the proposed reforms.