Law Minister Azam Tarrar presented the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the National Assembly today. A crucial session of Pakistan’s National Assembly has begun to debate the bill. The move follows its successful passage in the Senate on Monday evening with a two-thirds majority.
Law Minister to Table Amendment in Lower House
According to the National Assembly’s agenda, the session commenced at 11 a.m. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will formally table the bill for approval. The 59-clause amendment seeks sweeping changes to Pakistan’s judicial and military frameworks. It was approved by 64 senators in the 96-member upper house, with opposition lawmakers boycotting and tearing up their copies in protest.
Broad Support and Political Reaction
Apart from treasury benches, senators from the ANP, PTI-backed Saifullah Abro, and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan also endorsed the bill. Abro later announced his resignation from the Senate after declining to join the opposition’s protest. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar hailed the Senate’s approval as a “historic moment,” citing its roots in the 2006 Charter of Democracy signed by Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto.
Key Provisions of the Amendment
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Chief of Army Staff to also serve as Chief of Defence Forces
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Lifetime titles for Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, and Admiral of Fleet
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Establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) with equal provincial representation
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FCC empowered to take suo motu notice and hear constitutional petitions
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President and prime minister to play major roles in judicial appointments
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Certain Supreme Court powers shifted to the FCC
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Judges must complete five years in high courts to qualify for FCC
On Monday, the Senate approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority, 64 votes. A PTI Senator Saifullah Abro and a JUI-F Senate Ahmad Khan also voted for the amendment. Saifullah Abro has resigned as Senator while JUI-F has expelled its Senator from the party.
