ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority on Wednesday, just two days after the Senate endorsed the legislation, which aims to implement significant reforms in the judiciary and military sectors.
Following detailed clause-by-clause voting, the lower house moved to a division vote on the proposed amendments. The government introduced eight new changes to the bill, including the removal of four clauses and the addition of four others.Among the notable amendments, the term “Federal Constitutional Court” has been incorporated into Clause 2 of Article 6 of the Constitution. Additionally, the term “Supreme Court” has been inserted into Article 10. An amendment to Article 176 states that the current Chief Justice will retain the title until their term concludes.
Once approved by the National Assembly, the bill will be forwarded to the Senate for a review of the new amendments before it can be enacted into law.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif attended the session. As they entered the chamber, PTI lawmakers tore up copies of the bill and hurled the fragments toward the prime minister’s seat in protest.
Tarar Introduces the Bill
Following a two-day debate, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar formally moved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the House. Addressing the assembly, Tarar explained that the core elements of the bill had already been presented to the Senate and emphasized that constitutional amendments are a gradual process requiring consensus.
He clarified that all relevant stakeholders—politicians, judiciary, military, and civil society had been consulted during the drafting process. Tarar also confirmed that Justice Yahya Afridi will serve as the Chief Justice of Pakistan, as per the proposed changes.The legislation, which required a two-thirds majority in the 336-member House, was passed with 64 votes in favor and no opposition votes, as many opposition members boycotted the proceedings and tore up their copies in protest. Support came from coalition partners, including ANP’s senators, PTI-backed Saifullah Abro, and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan. Notably, Abro abstained from the protests and later announced his resignation from the Senate.
Key Changes and Impact
The bill, consisting of 59 clauses, seeks to overhaul Pakistan’s military and judicial frameworks. It proposes that the Chief of Army Staff will assume the role of Chief of Defence Forces, and titles such as Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet will be retained for life. It also establishes a Federal Constitutional Court, with provisions for equal provincial representation and the authority to take suo motu notices on petitions.Additional reforms include reducing the powers of the Supreme Court, shifting certain authorities to the new court, and placing constraints on presidential immunity if the president assumes other public offices post-tenure. The bill also outlines criteria for judicial appointments, transfers, and reviews of transfer objections.
Opposition Walkout and Reactions
During the proceedings, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, PPP chairman, said that after the amendment, the judiciary would no longer have the authority to initiate suo motu actions. He criticized past abuses of this power and emphasized that the 27th Amendment aims to establish a proper constitutional court to strengthen the judicial system.
Bilawal also condemned recent terrorist attacks, calling for national unity to combat extremism. He highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in defeating terrorism and paid tribute to martyrs. Furthermore, he revealed plans to appoint the army chief as a field marshal, a move intended to bolster national defense, with the post to be constitutionally protected under Article 243.
Meanwhile, Achakzai of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party expressed strong opposition, tearing a copy of the bill and questioning the legitimacy of the current parliament to amend the Constitution.
Dialogue and Future Steps
NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reiterated his willingness to facilitate negotiations between the government and opposition parties, emphasizing that dialogue is essential for progress. He urged both sides to continue discussions, even if initial talks do not yield immediate results.In response, PTI Chairman Gohar Ghulam Ali Khan affirmed that PTI remains committed to dialogue and cooperation.
Next Steps
The law minister confirmed that voting on the bill would continue today and noted that if any amendments are needed, they could be presented again in the Senate. He reiterated that only Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution and dismissed the notion that the constitutional court could rewrite it.
Criticism from the Opposition
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized opposition parties for rejecting the bill, accusing them of selective memory and double standards. He argued that PTI’s past acceptance of “fascist” measures when in power contrasted sharply with their current opposition to parliamentary procedures, which Tarar labeled as political hypocrisy.
Summary of Major Provisions
- The Chief of Army Staff to serve as Chief of Defence Forces
- Lifelong titles of Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet
- Establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court
- Equal provincial representation in the new court
- Court empowered to take suo motu notices
- Judicial appointments to involve the President and Prime Minister
- Reduced powers for the Supreme Court, with authorities transferred to the new court
- Limitations on presidential immunity if the president assumes other public roles
- Judges required to serve five years in high courts before qualifying for the Constitutional Court
- Judicial transfers to be decided by the Judicial Commission, with objections reviewable by the Judicial Council
