Senate Approves 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill Amid Protests

The Senate passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill on Thursday after voting for the second time, despite strong protests from the opposition.

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announced that 64 members voted in favour of the bill and 4 voted against it. He confirmed that the bill had received the required two-thirds majority and was therefore approved.

During the voting, opposition members shouted slogans such as “Destruction of the Constitution — unacceptable!” prompting the chairman to call for order.

The bill was first passed by the Senate on Monday and then sent to the National Assembly (NA). The NA approved it with some changes on Wednesday, after which it was sent back to the Senate for final approval.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the amended bill again in the upper house, and it was passed after voting.

PTI and JUI-F Lawmakers’ Votes Contested

PTI Senator Ali Zafar argued that his party members and JUI-F defectors should be considered disqualified if they had resigned in the previous session. “If they have indeed resigned, their votes should not be counted during re-voting, or we will challenge the process,” he said.

JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasized that any member wishing to vote against party lines must follow proper procedures for seeking resignation or disqualification.

Minister Tarar clarified that automatic disqualification under Article 63-A is incorrect. He explained that the party head can submit a reference to the presiding officer, who has two days to forward it to the Election Commission. The concerned member can present a show-cause response before the commission, and any decision can be appealed in the Supreme Court. He also noted that a senator’s resignation must be submitted in writing to the Senate chairman, which had not yet been received.

National Assembly Passes Amended Bill

A day earlier, the National Assembly passed the amendment bill with 234 votes in favor and four against amid an opposition walkout. The amendments, totaling eight in number, clarified the structure of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and judicial hierarchy, while dropping several oath-related clauses from the Senate version.

Key updates include:

• Clause 2: Explicitly includes the FCC under Article 6 (high treason).

• Clause 2A: Updates preventive detention provisions under Article 10(4).

• Clauses 4, 19, 51, 55: Oath-related changes removed.

• Clause 23: Incumbent Chief Justice retains the title Chief Justice of Pakistan during the current term.

• Clause 56: Senior-most among SC CJ and FCC CJ will be designated as Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Major Provisions in the Amendment

• Chief of Army Staff to become Chief of Defence Forces.

• Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, Admiral of Fleet titles retained for life.

• Federal Constitutional Court established with equal provincial representation.

• FCC empowered to take suo motu notices.

• Presidential and prime ministerial role defined in judicial appointments.

• Limits presidential immunity if assuming public office after tenure.

• Judicial Commission to manage High Court judge transfers, with Supreme Judicial Council reviewing objections.

Numbers Game in Senate

The ruling coalition is likely to secure the required two-thirds majority in the 96-member Senate, needing 64 votes to pass the amendment. PTI’s Saifullah Abro and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan, who backed the bill previously, are expected to support the ruling coalition again, despite Abro announcing his resignation.

The amendment marks a major shift in Pakistan’s judicial and military structures, while the process highlights the continuing debate over defections, party lines, and constitutional procedures.

Law Minister Clarifies Chief Justice of Pakistan’s Position

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the 27th Constitutional Amendment will bring visible improvements to Pakistan’s judicial system and remove confusion regarding the position of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Speaking during the Senate session, the minister said the amendment fulfills the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and the promise of Nawaz Sharif, adding that its benefits and positive effects will soon be seen.

“The 27th Amendment will strengthen the justice system and eliminate any ambiguity about the office of the Chief Justice of Pakistan,” Tarar said.

He also expressed deep sorrow over the terrorist attack in Islamabad’s district courts, saying that terrorists have no religion.

Referring to recent discussions about the Sri Lankan cricket team’s visit to Pakistan, the law minister said such speculation was unnecessary, as Pakistan has made significant progress in ensuring security and stability.

Ishaq Dar Thanks Lawmakers for Passing 27th Amendment Bill

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar thanked all members of Parliament for their support in passing the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Speaking in the Senate, Dar praised the Chairman of the Senate for conducting the session responsibly and ensuring that the bill was passed according to complete rules and procedures.

“The 27th Amendment has been approved following all proper procedures and parliamentary rules,” Dar said.

He also clarified that any announcement of resignation by a member holds no legal value until a written resignation is submitted and the Election Commission officially de-notifies the member.

“Until the Election Commission de-notifies a member, their membership remains valid,” Dar added.