ISLAMABAD – The Senate and National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Law and Justice has started review of the proposed draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment on Sunday.
Opposition parties, including the PTI, JUI-F, MWM and PKMAP, boycotted the session presided over by Farooq H Naik and Chaudhry Bashir Virk. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Upper House on Monday.
Reportedly, the ruling PML-N has decided to withdraw the proposed amendment relating to the lifetime immunity for the prime minister. The issue concerning lifetime immunity for the president will be considered.
The parliamentary committee regretted the opposition’s decision to stay away from the crucial meeting, saying all the parties should have participated in important proceedings.
They termed the move deeply regrettable, alleging that opposition parties were deliberately distancing themselves from the entire process.
Committee members reaffirmed their commitment to complete the work with sincerity, adding that the 27th Amendment holds significant importance for the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan.
Talking to the media before the session, Farooq H Naik said that all clauses would be discussed today and expressed optimism to finalise the amendment during the meeting.
He said that every party has the right to give its opinion, and the committee will consider the views of all parties. He made it clear that the decision will be made according to the majority opinion.
The proposed amendment, initiated by the ruling PML-N, was tabled in the Senate and sent to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for discussion.
The amendment proposes a change in Article 243, seeking to abolish the “Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee” (CJCSC) position and introduce a new title, “Chief of Defence Forces”. It also includes the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court and revisions to the process of appointing high court judges.
Reduction in the powers of the Supreme Court, with some authorities shifting to the proposed Constitutional Court, is also part of the proposed amendment.
