Draft proposes constitutional court, life marshal post and age limit for senior judges
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing the National Assembly in Islamabad. Photo: NAofPakistan/Twitter
The federal government has finalized a first draft of the 27th constitutional amendment, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif consulting coalition partners on the proposal. After its approval at tomorrow’s federal cabinet meeting, the amendment bill is expected to be presented to the Senate.
Details of the proposed project were obtained by Express News. According to the original draft of the amendment, sources said a nine-member constitutional court would replace the existing constitutional bench of the Supreme Court under the proposed changes. Additionally, a proposal suggests raising the retirement age of Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges from 68 to 70 years.
Sources further said that an amendment to Article 243 would provide constitutional protection to the post of marshal, granting him constitutional powers. According to the proposed amendment, the title of marshal will remain for life.
Additionally, the draft amendment proposes to increase the federal share in the National Finance Commission price by 10%, and agreements are expected to be reached to transfer control of the education and health sectors to the federal government.
The draft also clarifies that in case of any impasse over the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, the matter will be referred to the Supreme Judicial Commission. Additionally, the role of the president and prime minister in appointing judges will be reduced, and more power will be given to the Judicial Commission.
