ISLAMABAD:The Senate on Monday passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority, approving wide-ranging changes to the judicial structure, provincial representation, and the establishment of a federal constitutional court even as the opposition staged a walkout in protest.
A total of 64 senators voted in favour of the amendment during the clause-by-clause voting, while two opposed the first clause. The session, presided over by Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, saw all 59 clauses approved one by one after being read aloud in the Upper House.
The bill was presented by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, following its endorsement by the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice.
Presenting the report of the joint parliamentary committee, Senator Farooq H. Naek said the amendment brings long-awaited reforms to Pakistan’s judicial and constitutional framework.
Key features include the creation of a federal constitutional court, fixed tenure of five years for high court judges, and representation from all provinces in the proposed judicial structure. The amendment also introduces a technocrat member in the Judicial Commission and clarifies that a judge’s seniority will be determined from the date of appointment, with existing seniority of Supreme Court judges remaining unchanged.
Supporters of the amendment hailed it as a “milestone for constitutional supremacy and democratic strengthening.” They said the constitutional court would help reduce the Supreme Court’s case backlog and ensure timely adjudication of constitutional matters.
However, opposition lawmakers, including PTI’s Saifullah Abro and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan, strongly objected to the bill, terming it rushed and politically motivated. They later staged a protest in front of the law minister and walked out of the chamber.
Government defends amendment as step toward good governance
Speaking to reporters after the session, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar dismissed reports of a deadlock over the amendment, saying the constitutional evolution process was a sign of democratic maturity.
The 27th Amendment has been drafted keeping in view international best practices to promote good governance, strengthen federation–province relations, and enhance Pakistan’s institutional stability, Tarar said.
He added that the prime minister’s decision to withdraw proposed immunity for his office was a positive and welcome step, while reaffirming that immunity for the president as head of state remained in line with global norms.
The minister also defended the concept of constitutional courts, recalling that it was a long-standing demand of the Charter of Democracy (2006) and had been backed by major political parties including the PML-N, PPP, and ANP.
During Sunday’s debate preceding the vote, several senators voiced mixed reactions.
Senator Talha Mehmood termed the amendment the need of the hour to reform Pakistan’s judicial system and strengthen national defence, while Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan called for a productive and inclusive discussion in the national interest.
Dr Afnan Ullah Khan criticised the opposition for spreading division and political hatred, whereas Senators Ali Zafar and Hamid Khan rejected the bill outright, arguing that such sweeping reforms should not be passed in haste or without wider consensus.
Azam Swati and Mohsin Aziz echoed those concerns, urging the government to allow more time for legal scrutiny. The 27th Constitutional Amendment now moves to the National Assembly for consideration and final passage before it can become part of the Constitution.
If approved, it will mark one of Pakistan’s most consequential judicial reforms in recent years, reshaping the constitutional framework and redefining the role of federal courts in the country’s justice system.