Fazlur Rehman cautions external influence in proposed reforms; Govt confident of Senate majority

Opposition Erupts in Parliament

A political storm engulfed the National Assembly on Wednesday as opposition lawmakers lashed out at the government over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, branding it an “attack on parliament” and a “coercive attempt” to reshape the 1973 Constitution.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan led the charge, declaring that his party would resist the move “with full force.”
“This amendment strikes at the heart of parliamentary democracy,” Gohar asserted. “Whenever the Constitution is amended worldwide, it is done through consensus not compulsion.”

He cautioned the treasury benches that Pakistan “cannot afford further division,” adding that “the people have already lost faith in the judiciary.”

Fazl Warns of ‘Coercive Changes’

Meanwhile, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman voiced grave concern over reports suggesting that the amendment had been “prepared under external influence.”
“The Constitution is not a plaything,” he warned after meeting with Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Achakzai. “If constitutional changes come under coercion, public trust will vanish.”

Fazl hinted that his party, along with others, would take a joint opposition stance once the draft was officially received. He recalled that during the 26th Amendment debate, his party had successfully forced the withdrawal of 34 controversial clauses.

Govt Calls Criticism ‘Political Propaganda’

Responding to the barrage of criticism, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry rejected what he called “false and misleading propaganda” that the government was seeking to roll back the 18th Amendment.
“There is no such move,” he clarified. “The 27th Amendment will neither undermine provincial autonomy nor the judiciary. It is being misrepresented by certain political quarters for personal gain.”

He emphasized that the draft amendment had not yet been formally presented in the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to refrain from speculation.
“Let’s discuss once the document is tabled. Until then, comments are premature,” he said.

Govt Confident of Senate Majority

While the opposition vowed resistance, government circles projected confidence in securing Senate approval, claiming the backing of 65 out of 96 senators.

Insiders say six independents including Mohsin Naqvi, Abdul Karim, Faisal Vawda, Abdul Qadir, Anwarul Haq Kakar, and Asad Qasim have already pledged their support.

The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently commands a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, having passed the bill comfortably.

All foreign visits of ministers have been canceled, and government lawmakers have been ordered to remain in Islamabad until the legislative process concludes.

Key Features of the 27th Amendment

Emerging details of the proposed 27th Amendment reveal sweeping institutional changes:

1. Establishment of a Constitutional Court

A new Constitutional Court would replace the current Constitutional Bench, assuming powers of constitutional interpretation and adjudication.
The chief justice of this court would also head the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) and Judicial Commission, replacing the current chief justice of Pakistan in those roles.

2. Judicial Transfers Simplified

The amendment would remove the requirement of consent from both the judge and the chief justice for transferring high court judges a move critics fear could weaken judicial independence.

3. Adjustments in Army Command

While details remain under wraps, changes are expected in the command structure of the Pakistan Army, signaling a bid to formalize transitions within military leadership.

4. NFC Award and Provincial Powers

The amendment could reduce provincial shares in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, restoring greater federal control over fiscal and administrative domains such as education and population welfare.

5. Return of Executive Magistrates

The government also plans to reinstate executive magistrates, reviving administrative powers abolished in earlier reforms.

Opposition to Decide Joint Strategy

After an opposition dinner hosted by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PTI’s Asad Qaiser told reporters that all opposition parties would form a unified strategy in parliament. He also urged that Mahmood Achakzai’s notification as opposition leader be issued without further delay.

Political Stakes Rising

Analysts warn that the 27th Amendment could reshape Pakistan’s power equilibrium among institutions potentially redefining civil-military relations, judicial autonomy, and provincial governance.
As parliament prepares for another heated session, both camps appear locked in a high-stakes constitutional battle.