The numbers game in parliament over the 27th Constitutional Amendment has entered a decisive phase, with the government winning over the Awami National Party (ANP) while sidelining the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

Political observers are of the view that if the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also announces its support, the amendment’s passage will face little resistance.

According to parliamentary sources, the amendment is expected to be tabled in the Senate on Friday, with the government aiming for its approval by November 10.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to consult coalition partners over the next two days to finalise the plan.

The government has prepared a comprehensive roadmap to secure political consensus on the amendment, which includes forming a joint committee of coalition parties to review proposals and finalise the draft before its presentation in both Houses of Parliament.

The sources said the initial draft is likely to be tabled in the Senate this week.

The draft, the sources said, includes provisions such as revival of executive magistrates, changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, amendments to Article 243, and measures to streamline decision-making in security matters.

Other proposed changes include changes to the process of local bodies’ election, the appointment procedure for the Chief Election Commissioner, and the tenure of caretaker governments.

A major feature is the proposed establishment of a Constitutional Court, aimed at ensuring a swift and effective resolution of constitutional disputes.

Parliamentary sources said that a threadbare discussion is expected in the Senate, National Assembly, and relevant standing committees to build consensus across parties.

The government, the sources added, has devised a clear strategy to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) currently holds 20 seats, which will rise to 21 with Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim’s inclusion.

Support is also expected from four senators of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), three from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and one each from the National Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Q.

Independent senators — including Mohsin Naqvi, Faisal Vawda, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Naseema Ehsan, and Asad Qasim — are also reportedly inclined to back the bill.

Meanwhile, the three-member ANP has officially declared its support for the government.

However, the PPP’s stance remains crucial, as its 26 senators hold the balance needed for a two-thirds majority.

If the PPP votes in favour, the government will be able to pass the amendment even without JUI-F’s support.

In contrast, the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aaeen Pakistan has rejected the amendment outright, saying it “opens a new Pandora’s box” and alleging that “the public is being shown one thing while something else is happening behind the scenes.”

Addressing the Senate, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the 27th Amendment “has not parachuted from anywhere” and is a government-led initiative.

“We want the amendment to be introduced in the Senate first,” he said, assuring Senator Ali Zafar that a full debate will be held.

Dar added that one point of agreement had already been reached with the PPP, and consultations with other allies were ongoing.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi met Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Islamabad to discuss national affairs, including the proposed amendment.

Both leaders agreed that further tinkering with the NFC Award could prove detrimental to national unity.