The National Assembly session resumed on Wednesday, with the lower house set to vote on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, tabled by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
The bill, requiring a two-thirds majority in the 336-member assembly, is expected to pass with support from the ruling coalition, including the PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, and allied parties.
The 59-clause amendment—passed by the Senate earlier this week—proposes major reforms to Pakistan’s military and judicial systems. It secured 64 votes in the upper house with no opposition votes, as opposition members boycotted the session and tore their copies of the bill.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, PkMAP leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai tore a copy of the bill in protest, questioning the legitimacy of what he called a “Form 47 parliament.” National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, meanwhile, renewed his offer to mediate talks between the government and opposition, urging dialogue to resolve political tensions.
Outside parliament, Law Minister Tarar told reporters that voting on the amendment would proceed as planned, but added that if “any changes are needed, it can be presented in the Senate again.” He emphasized that “only parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, not the courts.”
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised the opposition for what he termed “double standards,” accusing the PTI of rejecting democratic procedures it once supported.
Key provisions of the 27th Amendment include creating a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) with equal provincial representation, redefining judicial appointments, limiting presidential immunity, and shifting some powers from the Supreme Court to the FCC. The amendment also confirms lifetime ranks for top military officials and introduces new rules for judicial transfers and oversight through the Supreme Judicial Council.
