Fazlur Rehman Still Influential but Not Crucial This Time, Says Analyst Salman Ghani

LAHORE:Senior journalist and political analyst **Salman Ghani** has said that while **Maulana Fazlur Rehman** continues to hold political relevance and influence, his role is **not as critical this time**, since the **government and its allies already possess a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly**.
Speaking on *Dunya TV’s* program **Think Tank**, Ghani noted that it remains **uncertain whether the government commands a two-thirds majority in the Senate**, which is required for the passage of the **27th Constitutional Amendment**.
He said, *“Maulana Fazlur Rehman never steps on a slippery path. Previously, his political alignment leaned towards PML-N, but now it has shifted towards the PPP.”* Ghani recalled that during **Benazir Bhutto’s tenure**, Maulana Fazlur Rehman also served as **Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee**.
Explaining the shift, Ghani stated that **Maulana Fazlur Rehman played a key role in the anti-Imran Khan PDM movement**, which is why he had expressed interest in becoming the **President of Pakistan** — something he reportedly discussed with **Nawaz Sharif**. However, he was not accommodated in the subsequent political setup.
According to Ghani, the **government currently holds 61 votes in the Senate**, while **64 votes** are required to pass the amendment. He added, *“Maulana Fazlur Rehman controls four decisive votes in the Senate, and the government will need those votes to secure the amendment’s passage.”*