ISLAMABAD: The government has announced plans to introduce further modifications to the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, marking a significant development in the legislative process. Sources reveal that these updates, featuring contributions from both the government and opposition, are set to be formally presented in the National Assembly.
Once the National Assembly gives its approval, the revised bill will be forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
A Senate session, which had to be rescheduled on short notice, is now slated for 5:00 PM today. This decision has already generated significant reactions within judicial and political circles, with protests erupting across various parts of the country. The growing public interest highlights the widespread attention and scrutiny these amendments are attracting.
The National Assembly currently has 326 active members, with 10 seats remaining vacant. Securing a constitutional amendment requires 224 votes—the crucial two-thirds majority. The ruling coalition is currently supported by 237 members, ensuring a comfortable margin. Among them, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leads with 125 seats.
The coalition also includes the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) with 22 members, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) with 5 members, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party with 4, Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z) and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) each holding 1 seat. Furthermore, four independent representatives are backing the coalition.
MQM leader Syed Mustafa Kamal stated that his party’s proposed recommendations regarding local governments were excluded from the current 27th Amendment but are expected to be addressed in the forthcoming 28th Amendment Bill. Meanwhile, the National Party, despite being part of the ruling alliance, has opted not to support this constitutional amendment.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which holds 74 seats, remains a pivotal ally in enabling the government to achieve both a simple and two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.
