ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed Sunday as a historic day for Pakistan following the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in the National Assembly.
“Today, it has been decided that parliament reigns supreme,” he declared, as 225 members, including coalition partners and independent lawmakers, voted in favor of the bill.
The amendment introduces significant judicial reforms, allowing a parliamentary committee to select the chief justice of Pakistan, who will now serve a fixed term of three years. Additionally, a new constitutional bench will be established.
The government secured 225 votes, surpassing the required 224, with vital support from a few independent candidates. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party opted not to participate in the voting.
Addressing the assembly, PM Shehbaz emphasized that this amendment symbolizes not just a legal change but also unity and consensus among political factions. “This is more than an amendment; it is a reaffirmation of solidarity across political lines,” he stated.
Reflecting on the past, the prime minister criticized what he described as “palace conspiracies” that resulted in the dismissal of governments and prime ministers, causing significant financial losses to the national treasury. “Billions were lost due to arbitrary decisions that harmed the country’s economy,” he noted.
He underscored the urgent need for justice, highlighting that many Pakistanis are still waiting for fairness in a system where cases can linger for years.
“Some have lost loved ones while waiting for justice. This amendment will facilitate access to justice for the common man,” he added.
PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the late Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, recalling that their 2006 Charter of Democracy laid the groundwork for these constitutional reforms. He expressed gratitude to political leaders, including President Asif Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, for their support in making the amendment a reality.
In response to opposition criticism, the prime minister asserted that the legitimacy of the vote could not be questioned, as it reflected the will of elected representatives. He expressed disappointment over the PTI’s absence but emphasized that the amendment was a victory for Pakistan.
“Everyone has seen that we set aside personal interests,” he remarked, concluding by thanking the Speaker of the National Assembly and all members who contributed to the amendment’s passage, reaffirming his belief that it would strengthen and safeguard the nation’s future.
