Sindh Assembly passes resolution on formation of constitutional benches

In a session held on Monday, the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution with a majority vote supporting the formation of constitutional benches in the province under the 26th Constitutional Amendment. 

The resolution, presented by Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, received 123 votes in favour. Members of the MQM and PPP backed the resolution, while PTI-supported members and JI’s Muhammad Farooq opposed it.

Lanjar, introducing the resolution, highlighted the need for compliance with Article 202A, sub-clause 6, of the Constitution, calling it a constitutional requirement that the Sindh Assembly was obligated to fulfil.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah addressed the Assembly, noting that amendments to relevant laws had been made approximately a week to ten days prior, advising members to familiarise themselves with procedural rules. 

He stated that the resolution required the support of at least 85 members. He further highlighted the importance of notifying members before tabling the resolution but clarified that the absence of prior notice should not be considered a violation of Assembly rules. 

The CM maintained that under the 26th Amendment, provincial assemblies must pass resolutions for constitutional benches to be formed in provincial high courts. He encouraged other provinces to expedite similar resolutions to ensure swift justice and fulfilment of constitutional obligations.

Shah attributed the draft of the 26th Amendment’s constitutional bench provisions to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.