ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Senate approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment with two-third majority, in a major overhaul of country’s legislative process. 64 senators voted in favor of the key amendment.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani confirmed that no votes were cast against the amendment. Despite opposition parties staging a protest and opposing the voting procedure, the bill secured overwhelming support in the upper house.
The approval of this amendment is seen as a key step in [context-specific impact, e.g., political reform, administrative changes, or devolution of powers—add if known], reflecting the government’s continued legislative momentum.
The political landscape of Pakistan is said to witness historic upheaval as Senate received report on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a sweeping legislative proposal that could redefine the judiciary, provincial powers, and executive authority.
Senator Farooq H. Naik, presenting the committee’s report, revealed major changes in the bill that have set alarm bells ringing across political circles. “Significant modifications have been made to the draft,” Naik said, explaining that the amendment proposes the creation of constitutional benches in the Supreme Court under the 26th Amendment framework, with equal representation for all provinces in the new Constitutional Court and a representative from Islamabad High Court. The bill also mandates High Court judges to have five years’ experience, while seniority for Supreme Court judges will remain untouched, stirring debates over judicial independence.
The amendment introduces bold new measures for the Judicial Commission: the Speaker may select women, non-Muslims, or technocrats as members, and “suo moto” powers will remain intact—allowing the court to act even without a formal request. A groundbreaking clause states that any case undecided within a year will see its stay lifted automatically, sparking concerns about the speed and impartiality of justice.
Judicial transfers, another lightning rod, will now be overseen by the Judicial Commission under strict conditions. Judges refusing transfers must justify themselves, or they will be considered retired, raising fears of politicization of the judiciary. The amendment also curbs presidential immunity: while immunity is suspended if the President takes public office, it will resume once the office ends, a move interpreted by critics as a major power recalibration.
Federal Information Minister Atta Ullah Tarar downplayed fears of political gridlock, insisting there is no deadlock with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and affirming the government possesses the votes needed for Senate approval. Tarar highlighted that the bill reflects global best practices, but opposition voices argue that it opens the door to unprecedented executive control over the judiciary.
Other notable provisions include maintaining lifetime honors for national heroes, increasing provincial cabinet representation in smaller provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan from 11% to 13%, and giving the Judicial Commission authority over appointments and transfers. The proposal to rename Khyber Pakhtunkhwa met resistance, while MQM called for greater local government powers, and Balochistan National Party demanded more provincial seats.
While most parties engaged in the committee discussions, PTI, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F, and Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen continued their boycott, accusing the government of rushing the process. In response, the Pakistan Constitutional Protection Movement, including PTI, declared nationwide protests against what they call a “dark and dangerous assault on the Constitution.”
The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 is now set to move to the National Assembly for debate, where its fate will determine the balance of power between the judiciary, the executive, and the provinces. Analysts warn that this amendment could trigger the most contentious constitutional showdown in Pakistan’s recent history.
