Speaker Ayaz Sadiq oversees voting as NA approves clauses with overwhelming majority; opposition raises limited objections.

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday began clause-by-clause approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, passing its initial stages with a commanding two-thirds majority amid a largely smooth voting session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The motion for tabling the amendment received 231 votes in favour and four against, marking a clear show of parliamentary strength by the coalition government. The tally later rose to 233 members in support following the arrival of PPP senior leader Khurshid Shah, who participated in the voting while seated in a wheelchair.

Presenting the amendment, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar said the process of revising the Constitution was “evolutionary” and rooted in the principle of legislative transparency.

“All aspects of the constitutional amendment have been placed before the House,” Tarar stated, emphasizing that the new provisions would remove all ambiguities regarding the post of the chief justice.

He further clarified that “Yahya Afridi will remain the chief justice”, a statement that drew attention across the chamber amid ongoing debate over judicial reforms and institutional clarity.

Clause-by-Clause Passage

The House subsequently proceeded with clause-by-clause approval, following the Speaker’s directive for members to stand in support during each vote.

• Clause 1 of the 27th Amendment was approved with 233 votes in favour and four against.
• The amendment to Clause 2A of Article 10, which adds the term “Supreme Court”, was passed with the same margin.
• An amendment to Article 17, replacing the term “Supreme Court” with “Federal Constitutional Court,” was similarly approved by 233 members, with four opposing votes.
• Another technical inclusion of “Supreme Court” within Clause 2A of Article 10 was adopted unanimously, marking a rare moment of bipartisan accord.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq lauded the orderly voting process, noting that the House was demonstrating “maturity and responsibility” in handling a sensitive constitutional reform.

The 27th Amendment part of the government’s broader judicial reform agenda seeks to clarify the structure and authority of the superior judiciary, ensuring procedural consistency and addressing perceived overlaps between constitutional courts.