ISLAMABAD: The joint parliamentary committee of the Senate and National Assembly on Law and Justice convened on Sunday to begin a clause-by-clause review of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The session, co-chaired by Senator Farooq H. Naik and MNA Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, was marked by the absence of major opposition parties, including PTI, JUI-F, PkMAP, and MWM, whose members boycotted the proceedings.
According to parliamentary sources, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has formally withdrawn its proposed amendment seeking criminal immunity for the prime minister, following direct instructions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Senator Anusha Rahman officially retracted the proposal during the meeting, a move welcomed by PPP’s Senator Farooq H. Naik, who termed it a “sensible and democratic step.”
The committee continued its deliberations on the remaining clauses of the 27th Amendment, including the contentious proposal to grant lifetime criminal immunity to the president. Sources said the committee’s report will likely be presented in the Senate on Monday, where the bill could be approved.
Committee members expressed disappointment over the opposition’s non-participation, calling it a missed opportunity for inclusive debate on an amendment they described as “crucial for democratic strengthening and institutional balance.”
Before the session, Senator Farooq H. Naik told reporters that the committee would review each clause carefully and make decisions based on majority consensus. He noted that the committee would consider suggestions from all allied parties, including the PML-N and MQM-P, and hoped the deliberations would conclude by evening.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment proposes extensive reforms to the country’s judicial and defence structures. The bill—originally tabled in the Senate by the PML-N with the support of coalition partners—has sparked intense political debate over its sweeping implications.
Key Features of the 27th Constitutional Amendment
Creation of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF): The new position will replace the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) as the head of the armed forces, effective November 27, 2025.
Field Ranks for Life: Titles such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet will remain lifetime designations.
National Strategic Command: The prime minister will appoint its commander from the Pakistan Army on the recommendation of the CDF.
Establishment of Federal Constitutional Court: A new court is proposed to handle constitutional matters, with equal provincial representation and limited judicial terms.
Redefinition of Judicial Powers: Certain powers of the Supreme Court would be transferred to the new Constitutional Court, while the term of its chief justice would be capped at three years.
Judicial Appointments: The president and prime minister will play a pivotal role in appointing judges to the new court, with parliament deciding its total strength.
Presidential Immunity: The president would receive lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution under proposed amendments to Article 248.
The amendment represents one of the most far-reaching constitutional reform packages in recent years, reshaping both the command structure of the armed forces and the framework of the judiciary.
