ISLAMABAD – The federal government decided to introduce further amendments to the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which is expected to be approved in the National Assembly on Wednesday (today).
The official sources said that the new amendments would be presented during the ongoing session of the National Assembly, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
Separate lists of amendments proposed by the government and the opposition have been prepared for consideration.
Once the additional amendments are approved by the lower house, the bill will be referred back to the Senate for final approval.
Meanwhile, the Senate Secretariat has revised the schedule of its session, which has now been summoned a day earlier. The session will be held today at 5 pm.
The sources further confirmed that more changes are being incorporated into the 27th Amendment, while 11 amendments proposed by the opposition have also been included in the agenda.
The parliamentary insiders said the government is eager to ensure the early establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court, which remains one of the key objectives behind the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Earlier, the Senate approved the Constitutional Amendment despite the opposition protest.
Law Minister Tarar defends 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill
Explaining the bill , Tarar said earlier that in most countries, constitutional matters are handled by constitutional courts, and judicial appointments are made through judicial commissions. “The Charter of Democracy also included this as a fundamental point of the constitutional framework,” he added.
Highlighting the scope of the amendment, Tarar said that the bill abolishes the suo motu powers and lays down a defined procedure for such cases. “Through suo motu, the country’s economic system was disrupted — where should we start? Should we start from the removal of an elected prime minister? Even cases involving actors or customs goods were taken up through suo motu powers,” he remarked.
He explained that under the new provisions, the Judicial Commission will have the authority to transfer judges under Article 200. “If a judge refuses a transfer, he will be considered retired,” Tarar said. Previously, he noted, the President could propose transfers between high courts based on the Prime Minister’s advice after consultation with the Chief Justice.
“The Judicial Commission will now include five judges from the Supreme Court or the Constitutional Court, along with two members each from the government and the opposition,” he said, adding that the commission will decide on the judge’s transfer duration and terms.
Tarar elaborated that the proposed Constitutional Court will hear constitutional and provincial matters, while the Supreme Court will continue to hear civil cases, with a total backlog of over 62,000 cases. “If this amendment is passed, the current Chief Justice will head the Constitutional Commission and related institutions,” he added.
The law minister said, “The Army has always played a crucial role in the country’s defense. When India attacked, this very Parliament stood united, and the world, including OIC and Arab nations, appreciated our victory.”
Referring to the creation of the rank of Field Marshal, Tarar explained that it exists in many countries and is a lifetime honorary title. “The Army Chief’s appointment is governed by the Army Act, but after the conferment of the Field Marshal rank, it was deemed necessary to bring it within constitutional limits,” he said.
He further stated that all appointments in the armed forces are made according to ranks and that parliamentary supremacy ensures balance among state institutions.
Regarding the President’s office, Tarar said the bill proposes immunity for the President; however, this immunity would end if he re-enters public office after completing his term. “We urge debate on this bill before voting. Out of 59 clauses, 47 amendments are necessitated due to the establishment of the Constitutional Court. I appeal to my friends in the opposition to listen to one another and work constructively,” he concluded.
It may be recalled that a day earlier, the government secured the Senate’s approval for the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority, receiving 64 votes in favour and none against.
