20th constitutional amendment likely to be passed with consensus

Prospects for the passage of 20th constitutional amendment with consensus before 6th February have brightened following talks between the government team and leader of the opposition here on Friday.
The Supreme Court had given 6th February as the date for giving constitutional cover to the by-elections held after the passage of 18th amendment, otherwise those elected would be declared disqualified.
On Friday, the government’s team, comprising Syed Khursheed Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar and Mian Raza Rabbani, met leader of the opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan who put forth four conditions to support the amendment. These included:
1. Making Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commission fully empowered to ensure next elections free and transparent and making the tenure of members of the Commission five years instead of two years.
2. Removal of ambiguity about the formation of caretaker government by substituting the words consultations with consensus.
3. Giving powers to the parties to nominate member for women seats in case of a vacancy.
4. Handing over of EOBI, Workers Welfare Fund and Shaikh Zaid hospital to the provincial governments after the devolution of ministries following passage of 18th amendment.
The government’s team accepted three conditions, except the formation of caretaker government and said they would consult the prime minister over it.
The government’s team, however, said that the formation of caretaker government with consensus cannot be made part of the constitution and instead the prime minister would give an assurance on the floor of the National Assembly that
the next caretaker government would be formed with the agreement of the leader of the opposition.
Later talking to media, Chaudhry Nisar said he cannot rely on the assurance of the prime minister because the PML-N has a terrible experience about the appointment of NAB chairman when writing a letter by the prime minister was considered as consultation with leader of the opposition.
Replying to a question, Nisar said there are reports that the government wants to extend the tenure of incumbent Chief Election Commissioner Hamid Ali Mirza. He said this would be unconstitutional and the PML-N would challenge it in the Supreme Court, which had already ruled an extension in service as illegal.