ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday declared that the government was not considering any such legislation, as speculation about the 27th amendment in the air. 

Mr Tarar’s remarks aside, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Law Barr­ister Aqeel Malik hinted that the government could not only table “an amendment” in parliament, but would also be able to pass it. However, it was not clear whether he was referring to a constitutional amendment bill, or an ordinary piece of legislation.

The statements came as sources indicated that a bill to amend the SC Practice & Procedure Act could be introduced in the house soon.

On the other hand, ruling coalition ally PPP and opposition parties vowed to block an amendment and threatened the government with bringing people on the streets against any such move.

“There is no chance of bringing such (27th) a constitutional amen­dment,” said Mr Tarar while talking to reporters in the corridors of Parliament House after attending a meeting of the Parliamentarians for Global Action.

He urged the media to avoid speculation on the new amendment, adding that the government would fully implement the recently passed 26th amendment. It may be recalled that the 26th amendment has changed the procedure for the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and the chief justice of Pakistan.

 Barrister Aqeel hinted that the government could bring the 27th constitutional amendment, but with consensus.

He said it was a wrong impression that a bill regarding setting up of military courts was being introduced. “There is nothing like that as it is just a discussion regarding rights of provinces,” he added.

“Been (snake charmer’s flute) is in the hands of the ruling coalition. When they will play it, snakes will come out automatically,” he said, hinting that when the government would decide to get it passed, it will get the required number of votes both in the Senate and National Assembly.

He, however, said that no amendment will be brought without consensus. “The government has no intention of having solo flight in this regard,” he added.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who played an important role during the passage of the 26th amendment, said at a recent public meeting his party would not allow the government to introduce those controversial clauses in the form of a new amendment that had been opposed as part of the initial draft of the 26th amendment.

“Will we allow the passage of those things that we excluded (from the 26th amendment)? Will we get them (the rejected clauses) passed,” he asked the participants of a public meeting.