FAISALABAD: Mini­ster of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said on Sunday the government and its coalition partners would responsibly pursue further constitutional amendments if required, vowing to crush any violence from political or religious groups to ensure political stability.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mr Chaudhry emphasised that protecting parlia­mentary authority is a foremost government duty and that politically moti­vated resignations would not disrupt the democratic process.

“The parliament would continue to operate with full constitutional dig­nity,” he said, adding that politically motivated resi­gnations “would not imp­ede democratic gover­na­nce or the parlia­mentary process”.

The minister drew a clear line between the roles of the legislature and the judiciary, stating that only the legislative body has the authority to change the nation’s constitution.

“Only the parliament holds the constitutional right to amend the cons­titution, while judges take an oath to uphold the constitution, not to engage in political matters,” he said.

Acknowledging a diffi­cult history of “judicial overreach”, he cited the “arbitrary removal of elected prime ministers in the past.” However, he pointed to the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments as significant legislative acti­ons that he said brought “much-needed stability to Pakistan”.

“If further constitutional amendments were required, the government, along with its coalition partners, would proceed responsibly, ensuring the dignity of parliament is preserved,” Mr Chaudhry affirmed.

The press conference was held at the Astana Aaliya Muhaddis-i-Azam Pakistan Sunni Rizvi Mosque, where the minister received a key endorsement for his brother, Bilal Badar Chaudhary, in the upcoming by-elections.

He thanked Pir Faiz Rasool Rizvi for his support, noting the backing would be crucial in at least five constituencies. He said that religious institutions have historically guided people with “messages of truth, serving as a strong moral force in society”.

He assured that security forces and the Election Comm­ission of Pakistan had finalised arrangements for peaceful and transparent elections.

“Any attempt to use violence as a political tool will be met with a firm response,” he said. “No one will be allowed to hold democracy or citizens’ rights hostage.”

Turning his attention to provincial politics, he issued a sharp critique of the PTI-led government in KP. He said the provincial administration had been “clearly informed that it must operate strictly within its constitutional mandate”.

In contrast, he lauded the development work in Punjab, governed by his own party, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He highlighted initiatives such as electric buses, water supply projects, road upgrades, solar energy programmes, and the Naya Ghar housing scheme as reasons for increased public support for PML-N candidates.

“These initiatives have also bolstered public appreciation for the policies of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz,” he said.

Mr Chaudhry concluded by reiterating the government’s core responsibilities. He said PML-N remains committed to the public mandate and rejects “chaos, violence, and negative politics”.

He affirmed that the eligibility of the president and prime minister is governed by Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, ensuring the sanctity of those offices.

The event concluded with a formal announcement of support for the PML-N candidate.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2025