Constitutional reforms committee members differ on Islamic portion, provincial autonomy

The members of special committee of the Parliament on constitutional reforms have differences on the Islamic portion and provincial autonomy contained in the Preamble of the constitution, sources told Business Recorder on Saturday. However, they said, the members comprising various political parties unanimously agreed to repeal 17th amendment and Article-58 2 (b) of the Constitution.
They said that the committee was reviewing the proposals one by one submitted by the civil society, lawyers' community and other political parties. The chairman of the committee, Raza Rabbani, told newsmen after committee meeting that discussions were being held on the proposals for constitutional reforms. He said that it was a very complicated issue, "and we trying to create consensus of all members on specific issues". Fazlur Rehamn, Wasim Sajjad, Ishaq Dar, Muhmmad Adeel, Mehtab Khan Abbasi and others attended the meeting.
"The proceedings of the committee will remain secret (in camera). We cannot expose the proceedings of the committee until we reach positive results," Raza said. The chairman said that the next meeting of the committee would be held on September 28.