Attaullah Tarar defends 26th amendment voting process, rejects allegations of coercion
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Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has strongly defended the recent voting process for the 26th Constitutional Amendment, dismissing opposition claims that the votes were coerced, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Tarar emphasized that the political consensus surrounding the amendment was carefully considered and not rushed, refuting allegations made by the opposition.
Tarar explained that the decision to proceed with the amendment only after the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit was based on the recommendation of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
This, he said, ensured that all political stakeholders had ample time to deliberate on the matter before the voting took place.
Tarar further clarified that the members who participated in the vote were independent not of PTI, and they cast their votes of their own free will.
"All four members clearly stated that they came to the assembly because of the call of their conscience," Tarar remarked, dismissing any suggestions that the voting process was manipulated.
He reiterated that these members chose their seats freely and voted according to their judgment.
“They were elected on the seats of PTI.” However, his speech was met with loud disruptions from the opposition benches, as they accused him of repeatedly consulting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman during the proceedings.
Amidst the commotion, Tarar pointed out the growing internal divisions within the PTI ranks, suggesting that four distinct groups have emerged in the opposition party.
He claimed that these internal conflicts were becoming increasingly visible, and the opposition’s accusations reflected their internal discord. Tarar asserted that the members who voted did so without any external pressure, casting their votes voluntarily.
The minister insisted that it was the opposition’s party that was plagued by disorder and division.
Reporter: Rozia Ali