ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to boycott the voting process for constitutional amendments in both houses of Parliament (Senate and National Assembly).
During a meeting chaired by Barrister Gohar, the PTI’s political committee decided not to participate in what they deemed a highly controversial and non-transparent amendment process.
According to a statement, the PTI will boycott the voting on constitutional amendments in both the Senate and the National Assembly.
The party also decided to protest vigorously against any PTI members who would violate party policy by participating in the voting process.
The political committee stated that a group that has usurped the people's mandate and engaged in electoral theft had no moral, democratic, or constitutional justification to amend the Constitution.
They criticised the current government for attempting to impose a state of lawlessness and undermine democracy through these amendments.
The committee emphasised that PTI has opposed these controversial amendments from the beginning, viewing them as detrimental to the country's future, and will completely dissociate from the voting process in both houses.
The statement further noted that members of Parliament who were elected on PTI tickets are bound to follow party policy and directives from founder Imran Khan.
Party workers were urged to hold peaceful protests outside the residences of any members participating in the voting against party policy.
The political committee concluded that those who remained loyal to Imran Khan and adhered to party policy regarding constitutional amendments would win the hearts of the public by standing against tyranny and fascism.
Setback for PTI as its two senators announce support for amendment
In a setback for PTI, two of its senators have decided to vote the coalition government in passing the 26th constitutional amendment package, Dunya News reported here on Saturday. Senator Faisal and Senator Zarka will vote for constitutional amendment bill in the Senate.
Talking to the media, PTI Barrister Gohar has confirmed that the two senators will go against the party in the voting process in the Senate.
“We condemn their act. This is not a democracy to pick people for vote.
“Our members will join the parliament proceeding and we do hope that they will support the PTI against the government,” Barrister Gohar said.
He said PTI founder appreciated Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his efforts to forge consensus on the constitutional bill, with the consultation of the PTI.
Barrister Gohar said constitutional package lacked consensus, adding, “The draft PTI received was not an agreed constitutional package.”