Let there be an independent and neutral caretaker setup. The government finally agreed to the demand of the opposition parties that the appointment of a consensus independent but neutral caretaker setup should be guaranteed in the Constitution through the 20th Amendment.
A source told Pakistan Today that under the agreement, an amendment was likely to be added to the 20th Amendment Bill 2012 that would provide amending the word ‘consultation’ with a new word, ‘consensus’ with the opposition leader, paving the way for a consensus legislation for installing a consensus caretaker setup to hold general elections. However, he added, these words might also be changed in the final draft, which would be prepared in a day or two by representatives of both parties.
“Raza Rabbani and Ishaq Dar have been named to propose a consensus draft on the new amendment. The government has taken the leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) into confidence on its decision about yielding to the opposition’s demands while the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Awami National Party (ANP) would also be taken into confidence. After taking its allies on board, the government would table the 20th Amendment Bill in a special cabinet meeting to be held in a few days,” said the source. Reportedly, the MQM also demanded the inclusion of members from all political parties in the draft committee of the new bill so all political forces could be taken on board. However, no MQM leader was available to confirm their demand.
The source said the prime minister and opposition leader would nominate individuals for the next caretaker setup, however, in case of difference of opinion between the two, a six-member committee, with three members each from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the PML-Nawaz, would be formed to resolve the matter amicably. Religious Affairs Minister Khursheed Shah also confirmed that both sides had agreed to a new draft of the amendment. “This bill would be submitted to a special meeting of the federal cabinet within the next few days and after passage from the cabinet, the bill would be tabled in parliament,” he added. He also said the draft amendment would be agreed upon by the opposition and government within a day or two.
After being urged by the government to support its 20th Amendment Bill, the PML-N had put forth four preconditions for supporting the bill: appointment of an independent chief election commissioner, installing a caretaker government with consensus of the National Assembly opposition leader, empowering the political parties to fill reserved seats for women and transfer of the EOBI, Worker’s Welfare Fund and Sheikh Zayed Hospital from the Centre to the provinces. The government had agreed to three demands and finally has agreed to the fourth with a minimal change.
PPP, PML-N reach deal on 20th Amendment
