ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill clause by clause with a two-thirds majority, marking a major step toward reshaping key constitutional provisions related to the judiciary, defence, and constitutional oversight.
The bill presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will now be referred back to the Senate for reconsideration of the latest amendments before its final passage by Parliament.
The historic session saw the attendance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. However, the proceedings were marred by uproar from the opposition, as PTI lawmakers tore up copies of the bill, surrounded the speaker’s dais, and later staged a walkout.
Law Minister Tarar said the amendment aimed to remove ambiguity surrounding the office of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, reaffirming that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would continue as the Chief Justice of Pakistan. He added that no court, including the proposed Federal Constitutional Court, could validate any act of constitutional abrogation, reinforcing the scope of Article 6 on high treason.
The ruling coalition, which commands a comfortable majority in the 336-member house, managed to push through the bill despite opposition protests.
During the session, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called for unity against terrorism and defended the amendment as a continuation of the Charter of Democracy, while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised the opposition for “selective morality” and boycotting the legislative process.
The 27th Amendment Bill, already cleared by the Senate earlier this week, proposes the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, adjustments to the command of armed forces (Article 243), and the clarification of judicial authority to prevent constitutional violations.
With its passage through both houses, the amendment now awaits presidential assent to become law.