The Senate of Pakistan approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill on Monday, aimed at reforming military command structures and establishing a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The bill passed with 64 votes in favor—the required two-thirds majority in the 96-member Senate—while the opposition staged a walkout and boycotted the vote.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the 59-clause bill, which now moves to the National Assembly for approval. Notably, PTI-backed Senator Saifullah Abro and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan voted in favor, while Abro later resigned from the Senate.
Key Highlights of the 27th Amendment:
- The Chief of Army Staff will also serve as Chief of Defence Forces.
- Titles like Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, and Admiral of Fleet will be retained for life.
- The FederalFederal Constitutional Court (FCC) will be established with equal provincial representation.
- The FCCFCC will have suo motu powers, and the Islamabad High Court will have one judge on its bench.
- Supreme Court powers will be reduced, with some authorities shifted to the FCC.
- Presidential immunity will be limited if assuming public office after tenure.
- Judges must serve five years in High Courts to be eligible for the Constitutional Court.
- Judicial appointments and transfers will be reviewed by the Judicial Commission and Supreme Judicial Council.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called it a historic step, emphasizing that the amendment aligns with the Charter of Democracy signed by former leaders. He also highlighted Pakistan’s recent military successes and clarified that the amendment does not impact judicial seniority.
Law Minister Tarar explained that the amendment addresses the increasing backlog of constitutional cases in the Supreme Court and ensures specialized adjudication through the FCC. The amendment also introduces procedural reforms in Article 243, enhancing clarity in the armed forces’ administrative structure.
Senator Farooq H Naek presented a joint parliamentary committee report, noting tweaks in the bill and unanimous approval for the Constitutional Court. Changes include reducing the High Court service requirement from seven to five years and clarifying the process for judicial transfers.
While government leaders praised the amendment for strengthening the judiciary and military, opposition parties condemned it as unconstitutional and against federal principles. PTI Senator Ali Zafar and members of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) vowed to block the bill in the National Assembly and continue legal and democratic protests, arguing it lacks national consensus and undermines the Constitution’s spirit.
#PakistanPolitics #27thAmendment #ConstitutionalReform #JudicialReform #SenatePakistan #PPP #PTI
