Pakistan: Senate passes 20th Amend, PM says democracy firm

There were hiccups in the process, as PML-Q opposed the suggestion to send matter of interim setup to the chief election commissioner. The JI also gave a dissenting vote. Seventy-four votes were in favour and only two against the 20th Amend. Senatar Professor Khursheed and Senator Ibrahim voted against the Amend.  The government reportedly agreed to bringing the 21st Amendment if need be.  Q-League was of the view that if parliamentary committee could not settle the matter of interim setup, the matter should be sent to the parliament again instead of sending to the chief election commissioner. ANP also supported the PML-Q recommendations in this regard. Addressing after passage of the 20th Amend, PM Gilani said it is historic moment that for a third time constitutional amendments have been passed by the parliament under this government.  Different parties expressed their concern for not giving representation to the Senate in the proposed interim setup. The members of the house also suggested that Senate members should also be included in the parliamentary committee constituted for the interim setup. The Senate members said that the committee should be constituted by the chairman Senate and the speaker National Assembly jointly. The three rounds of votings were completed in the Senate, passing the 20th Amend for the final presidential nod.   The PM also said the 1973 Constitution guarantees welfare of the people and solidarity of Pakistan. He said the government wants to strengthen provincial autonomy. He said there is no looking back now as far democracy is concerned. He said gone are the days when a dictator would appear on national TV and announce toppling of elected government. The PM also said the 20th Amend has made the electoral system credible. Without naming the PTI, the PM said that those who talk of boycotting elections should stop such rhetoric now.