ISLAMABAD: The joint parliamentary committee comprising members from the Senate and National Assembly’s law and justice panels has approved the entire draft of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, sources confirmed on Sunday.
The session, co-chaired by Senator Farooq H. Naek and MNA Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, granted clause-by-clause approval to all 49 proposed changes, despite a boycott by major opposition parties including PTI, JUI-F, PkMAP, and MWM, whose members were absent from the proceedings.
According to sources, the cabinet-endorsed draft will be presented before the National Assembly tomorrow (Monday) for formal debate and voting. The coalition government has also scheduled a follow-up meeting to reconsider certain proposals and additional tweaks put forward by allied parties. The Awami National Party (ANP), objecting to parts of the amendment, declined to attend the prime minister’s dinner and did not participate in Sunday’s proceedings.
Key Developments and Approvals
The committee formally approved Article 243, which defines the command and control of Pakistan’s armed forces. At present, this article entrusts the President of Pakistan with supreme command while placing operational control under the federal government.
Officials said the amendment seeks to redefine the country’s military command structure and reorganize judicial authorities, marking one of the most far-reaching constitutional reforms in recent years.
Meanwhile, the government requested additional time to finalize proposals regarding the renaming of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and increasing Balochistan Assembly seats, both of which will be taken up in Monday’s meeting.
PM Immunity Clause Withdrawn
In a notable move, the PML-N withdrew its controversial proposal seeking criminal immunity for the prime minister. The decision was made on the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the related amendment introduced by Senator Anusha Rahman was officially withdrawn.
Senator Naek, representing the PPP, lauded the decision, terming it “a positive and democratic step.” Committee members collectively welcomed the move, though many expressed disappointment over the opposition’s continued absence, calling it “regrettable” and “counterproductive.”
Additional Amendments Proposed
During the session, coalition partners submitted three new amendments, while ANP, BNP, and MQM-P also tabled their own suggestions. The committee approved the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, with equal representation from all provinces.
The time limit for pending cases was extended from six months to one year. Cases inactive for over a year will be considered disposed of.
ANP proposed renaming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to simply Pakhtunkhwa, arguing that “Khyber” represents a district rather than a region.
MQM-P’s proposal to strengthen local government funding powers was also accepted.
Deliberations on additional Balochistan Assembly seats are ongoing.
Highlights of the 27th Constitutional Amendment
New position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) to be created as the overall head of the armed forces, effective November 27, 2025.
The Chief of Army Staff will assume the role of Chief of Defence Forces.
Lifetime honorary titles Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet to remain unchanged.
The Prime Minister, on the CDF’s recommendation, will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command from the Pakistan Army.
Establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court with equal provincial representation.
President and Prime Minister to have significant roles in judicial appointments.
Parliament to determine the number of judges in the new court.
Several powers currently held by the Supreme Court to be transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court.
The Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court to serve a three-year term.
Lifetime criminal immunity to be granted to the President of Pakistan.
Lawmakers termed the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment a milestone for democratic strengthening, asserting that the process would move forward regardless of opposition absences.
