President approves 26th Constitutional Amendment

President Asif Ali Zardari, has officially approved the 26th constitutional amendment, with the gazette notification issued shortly after.

The notification, released by the National Assembly, confirms that the 26th Amendment is now an Act of Parliament and has officially become law.

The amendment, passed by both the Senate and the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority, is now in effect nationwide.

The 26th constitutional amendment has been enacted following the publication of the official gazette, cementing its place within Pakistan’s legal and constitutional framework.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier sent advice on Monday to President Asif Ali Zardari about ratifying the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill into law.

The prime minister had signed the advice on the said constitutional amendment bill after its passage by both the house of the parliament

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the unanimous passage of the 26th constitutional amendment by Pakistan’s Parliament, calling it a "shining example of national consensus".

Addressing the joint session after the Senate and National Assembly approved the amendment by a two-thirds majority, Shehbaz said it marks a "great day" in the country’s history.

He noted that the amendment fulfills the incomplete vision of the Charter of Democracy, which was initiated by former leaders Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

The prime minister expressed that the era of dismissing elected prime ministers is now over, and Parliament has demonstrated its strength and unity.

Shehbaz Sharif commended Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for his sincere efforts in making the amendment a reality and thanked Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his contributions to advancing Pakistan's best interests.

He added that the approval of the amendment sends a strong message that all political parties prioritised the nation’s future over personal interests.

The prime minister concluded by stating that these constitutional amendments will pave the way for easier access to justice and secure Pakistan’s future.