Consensus reached on key provisions; amendment report to be tabled in Senate for approval.
Islamabad, November 10: The joint parliamentary committee comprising members of the Senate and National Assembly has cleared the 27th Constitutional Amendment, approving all major clauses and paving the way for its presentation in the Senate tomorrow.
Key Provisions Approved
The committee reached consensus on the core framework of the amendment, including provisions that grant the President authority to transfer a High Court judge on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission.
However, a Chief Justice of a High Court cannot be transferred, and any transferred judge must not rank senior to the Chief Justice of the court to which they are assigned.
The committee also approved a proposal for the establishment of Constitutional Courts, stipulating that any case showing no progress for one year will be considered disposed of.
Presidential Immunity and Advisory Powers
Members agreed in principle to extend immunity to the President both during and after the term of office, though the extent of this protection remains under deliberation.
Additionally, the amendment grants the Prime Minister the authority to appoint up to seven advisers, while a similar increase for provincial Chief Ministers is under review.
Coalition Proposals and Contentions
The meeting also discussed a series of proposals introduced by coalition partners. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) suggested amendments regarding local government representatives and development funds, but the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised objections to these changes.
Further proposals included:
- Renaming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Pakhtunkhwa by removing “Khyber.”
- Increasing the number of seats in the Balochistan Assembly.
- Three additional amendments by coalition parties, pending committee review.
Next Steps: Senate Deliberations
The committee report will be tabled in the Senate tomorrow, marking the next phase of the constitutional amendment process.
For the amendment to pass, a two-thirds majority is required in both Houses equating to the support of 64 senators and 224 members of the National Assembly. With 30 senators seated on the opposition benches, the government faces a significant parliamentary challenge in securing passage.
Background: The 27th Amendment Debate
The 27th Constitutional Amendment has been in development for several months, aimed at streamlining judicial administration and redefining the balance of power between Pakistan’s executive and judiciary.
Earlier drafts proposed broader presidential powers in judicial transfers and appointments, sparking debate over judicial independence. Critics warned of potential executive overreach, while proponents argued it would ensure accountability and efficiency in court management.
Discussions also extended to provincial autonomy, advisory appointments, and the structure of constitutional courts, reflecting the coalition government’s bid to modernise the Constitution while maintaining political consensus.
If passed, the 27th Amendment will mark one of the most significant constitutional revisions since the 18th Amendment of 2010, which devolved powers to the provinces and strengthened parliamentary democracy.