Government presents 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill amid protests, voting today
Photo: REUTERS
The PML-N led federal government on Tuesday formally presented the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the National Assembly amid loud protests by opposition members. Voting on the bill is scheduled for today (Wednesday).
The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began with prayers for PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who passed away on Monday. Minister for Law Azam Nazir Tarar later moved the motion to present the bill. As he began his speech, PTI lawmakers entered the house and began shouting slogans against the proposed legislation.
Tarar said the appointment of judges through larger forums is an international practice, and that extensive consultations had been held before tabling the amendment. He noted that the Senate had already passed the amendment with a two-thirds majority.
He stated that Article 184 of the Constitution had "emerged as a monster" through the misuse of suo motu powers, and that the Charter of Democracy had originally included the creation of a constitutional court.
He said two major political parties had agreed on the amendments under the spirit of the Charter of Democracy, and that the new constitutional court would now have the same powers as the existing constitutional benches of the Supreme Court.
The amendment, he added, also lays down a procedure for transferring high court judges. Tarar said the purpose of the amendment was to ensure that the Supreme Court has more time to hear public-interest cases.
He said the chief justice of Pakistan will continue to head the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and other constitutional forums until further changes are made.
The law minister also revealed that the amendment constitutionally protects Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's rank, granted in recognition of his professional excellence, and that any decision to withdraw the title could only be made by a joint session of parliament.
He added that the President of Pakistan would enjoy lifetime immunity under Article 248, though such immunity would not apply to holding public office after retirement.
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan strongly opposed the amendment, saying that "constitutional changes should strengthen democracy, not bury it." He said the amendment would weaken the judiciary instead of empowering it, adding, "Today is a day of mourning for democracy."
Calling it the "Baku Amendment," he claimed it was passed under pressure from abroad and accused the government of using amendments to grant itself immunity from accountability.
Gohar warned against dragging the military into political disputes, saying, "Do not politicize the army or put it in the dockit has protected this country since 1947."
He emphasized that the PTI remained loyal to Pakistan and respected the armed forces but rejected what he called "dishonest manipulation" of the Constitution.
MQM leader Syed Mustafa Kamal said that his party's suggestions regarding local governments were not included in the 27th Amendment but would be part of the upcoming 28th Amendment Bill.
He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet for agreeing in principle to empower local bodies, stressing that "without empowered local governments, democracy cannot function effectively".
Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif also emphasized the devolution of power, saying that democracy cannot flourish until authority is transferred to the grassroots level.
He said both military and civilian governments have historically centralized power, ignoring the spirit of the 18th Amendment, which promised true local empowerment.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani defended the 27th Amendment, saying its core objectives were to strengthen governance, defence, and institutional functionality.
He referred to the Tuesday attack near Islamabad's G-11 district courts, which killed four people, saying it underscored that Pakistan remains "a nation at war" against terrorism and extremism. Kayani said the armed forces, police, and security agencies are laying down their lives for national security.
He noted that 15 percent of Supreme Court cases are constitutional in nature but consume 50 percent of its time, which justifies the establishment of a separate constitutional court. He criticized the opposition for skipping parliamentary committees and "opting for television studios instead."
The minister added that under the 18th Amendment, powers should have been transferred to the lower tiers of government, and in the future, the NFC Award should be linked with provincial finance awards to ensure fair distribution of resources.
The National Assembly session was adjourned until 11am today when voting on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill is expected to take place.