ISLAMABAD – President Asif Zardari has given his formal assent to 27th Constitutional Amendment, enacting it into law. According to an official summary, the president signed the bill “as advised by the prime minister,” sending shockwaves through the political landscape.
President’s approval comes after stormy Senate session, as the amendment was cleared for the second time amid vociferous protests. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announced that 64 senators voted in favor and four opposed, surpassing mandatory two-thirds majority.
27th Constitutional Amendment Bill first sailed through upper house of parliament this Monday before being landed in National Assembly (NA), which passed it with minor amendments. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar explained that the current Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) will retain office until retirement, after which the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court or the new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) will assume the post.
The amendment also empowers the CJP to administer oaths to the president, chief election commissioner, and auditor general. Crucially, revisions to Article 6 prevent any court from validating constitutional abrogation, effectively barring future martial laws.
PTI lawmakers slammed government’s speed and motives. Members of Imran Khan’s party highlighted defections, noting two opposition senators voted against their party lines, raising questions under Article 63-A. Tarar clarified that formal hearings and procedures must be completed before any disqualification or acceptance of resignations.
NA proceedings turned chaotic when PM Shehbaz Sharif, his brother Nawaz Sharif, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari entered the hall. Opposition lawmakers staged a noisy protest, waved banners, tore up copies of the bill, and disrupted speeches, forcing security to shield the leaders. Despite the uproar, the amendment passed with 234 votes in favor, four against, and a PTI boycott.
27th Amendment introduces the Federal Constitutional Court and reforms military leadership structures, igniting nationwide protests planned by PTI and the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan. Critics, including former judges and lawyers, warn it threatens judicial independence and democracy.
This move follows the controversial 26th Amendment of October 2024, which also faced allegations of political coercion. After consultations with allies, the 27th Amendment was tabled in the Senate on November 8, approved by parliamentary committees on November 9, passed by the Senate on November 10, and finalized in the NA on November 12.
