Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses a banquet in honor of government and coalition senators in Islamabad. Photo: Express
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered the withdrawal of a proposed clause in the 27th constitutional amendment to grant immunity to the prime minister, stressing that an elected leader must remain “fully accountable”.
In a message posted on social media platform
“While I recognize their good faith intention, the proposal was not part of the draft approved by Cabinet. I have requested that it be withdrawn immediately,” the Prime Minister said.
“As a matter of principle, an elected Prime Minister must remain fully accountable, both before the courts and before the people. »
Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar later told reporters that the prime minister had made it clear he was not interested in immunity, given the executive nature of his role. “Other positions with immunity have no executive function,” Tarar explained.
The statement comes as parliamentary committees continue discussions on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which includes sweeping proposals including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), review of the appointment process of High Court judges, expansion of provincial cabinet boundaries and changes to the military leadership structure.
A controversial set of clauses also proposes lifetime constitutional protection for officers promoted to the five-star rank – field marshal, air force marshal or fleet admiral – allowing them to “retain their rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life,” revokable only by impeachment proceedings under Section 47. Immunities similar to those enjoyed by the president under Section 248 would apply in these cases. case.
Article 248 of the Constitution states that “no criminal proceeding whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President or any Governor in any court of law during the term of his office.”
In related developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz hosted a dinner on Sunday evening in honor of senators of the ruling coalition, thanking them for their support in passing the 27th Amendment and their continued cooperation in ensuring political and economic stability.
Welcoming senators from all allied parties, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for their “national spirit” and their collective commitment to strengthening the federation and improving governance.
“We thank President Asif Ali Zardari and leaders of all allied parties for their support,” the Prime Minister said.
He stressed that the 27th Amendment represented a joint national effort “to strengthen the federation, advance the national interest, promote inter-provincial harmony and improve governance.” He said every step taken by the government so far was the result of “mutual trust and coordination between coalition partners”.
