Multiple Constitutional Reforms Deliberated in Law Committee Meeting
ISLAMABAD – The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice has referred the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — which seeks to guarantee women’s representation in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) — to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who heads the CCI, according to The News.
In a session chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, the committee reviewed several constitutional and legal reforms, with gender inclusion, provincial equity, and justice reform among the key focus areas.
Women in the CCI and CII
The proposed amendment to Article 153 aims to ensure that women are formally included in the CCI’s composition. The Ministry of Law confirmed that while the current rules are not gender-specific, specific quotas for women could be established via legislation.
A separate bill, introduced by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada seeking amendments to Article 228 to include women in the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), was deferred, with the committee awaiting official input from the CII.
Senator Naek emphasized the importance of gender diversity in Islamic legal interpretation:
“The Council of Islamic Ideology must benefit from women’s theological wisdom and input. Out of 20 members, at least three should mandatorily be women.”
Balochistan CSS Quota Proposal
The committee also discussed the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Article 27), introduced by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, which seeks to enhance the CSS quota for Balochistan students. However, Senator Naek advised withdrawal, noting that changes to civil service rules should be handled via an Act of Parliament rather than constitutional amendment, citing a Supreme Court ruling and ministry input.
Senator Qadir acknowledged the advice but requested time to review the court’s decision before making a final call. The matter was deferred to the next session.
Justice for Accidental Killing Victims
The committee also debated the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, put forward by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri. The bill proposes changes to Sections 323, 330, and 331, aimed at ensuring justice for victims of accidental killings and their legal heirs.
Members praised the bill’s intent and emphasized that no legal reform should contradict Islamic teachings. The committee underlined the need to ensure justice and financial equity in cases of qatal-e-khata (unintentional killings), particularly when poor families are involved.
The Ministry of Law noted that CII’s feedback on the proposed penal code changes is still awaited.
Other Developments
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Senator Aon Abbas, was also deferred without discussion.
