Claims money offered for amendments backing
( ISLAMABAD ) PTI lawmaker Iqbal Afridi has claimed that he was offered Rs400 million to support proposed constitutional amendments.
In a video message on Tuesday, Afridi, a member of the National Assembly, alleged, “I was offered Rs400 million to back the constitutional amendments. They were even prepared to offer Rs800 million or even Rs1 billion. However, I took an oath during the elections to always speak the truth and remain loyal to Imran Khan.”
Afridi said he rejected the offer, declaring, “I reject their money and proposals. I am a soldier of Khan. Since 1997-98, I have stood by Imran Khan and his ideology, enduring numerous sacrifices for true change.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to the former prime minister, stating, “During the regime change, I faced oppression, but I never fled, stayed silent, or sold out. Today, I continue to stand by Imran Khan and reject this offer. I will follow whatever decision the party takes regarding constitutional amendments.”
Afridi’s allegation comes as the current government ramps up its efforts to win the support of the JUI-F, seeking the numbers needed in parliament to pass a constitutional package. This package proposes a three-year fixed tenure for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and the establishment of a constitutional court.
While not targeted at any individual, the much-discussed ‘Constitutional Package,’ which dominates the government’s agenda, would give the executive greater control over the appointment, posting, and transfer of superior court judges, marking a significant judicial reform.
The PPP, PML-N, JUI-F, and ANP have already presented their respective drafts for the amendments.