Uncertainty around the passage of the 27th constitutional amendment in the Senate persisted on Monday as the government struggles to secure the required 64 votes needed for the passage of the bill.

The ruling coalition has so far failed to achieve the necessary numbers, leaving the treasury benches in low morale.

In a related development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has lost contact with two of its senators — one each from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Senator Saifullah Abro had not resigned from standing committees despite the PTI founder’s instruction, while Senator Faisal Saleem was also not in contact.

Senator Faisal Saleem was also unreachable during deliberations on the 26th Amendment.

Senior leaders of the ruling coalition had instructed their senators to arrive at the session at the earliest.

However, only 35 government and coalition senators are present in the house at present, which has made it difficult for the government to reach the 64-vote mark.

The sources said that efforts were underway to contact absent treasury members and secure the required numbers as soon as possible.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the draft of the amendment has been finalised, with minor changes incorporated, and has been sent for printing.

However, he added, that the situation remains uncertain until the voting process is completed.

At the same time, the government is also trying to persuade the Awami National Party (ANP) to support the bill.

Discussions were held in Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s chamber, where sources said Dar made a strong effort to convince ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan.

Aimal Wali reportedly said that the prime minister’s decision not to seek immunity had “won his heart,” expressing hope that a consensus would be reached on the renaming issue of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Aimal Wali stated that the government had assured him that his demands would be included in the 28th Constitutional Amendment bill.

Meanwhile, the opposition has stuck to its stance.

After the conclusion of the parliamentary party meeting of opposition senators, Allama Nasir Abbas left for consultations with party leaders.

He made it clear that the opposition would not walk out but rather challenge the amendment head-on, vowing strong resistance if the bill is tabled.