NFC price likely to be revised, FM gets constitutional powers, judiciary sees new round of reforms
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a federal cabinet meeting. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The federal government has finalized a first draft of the 27th constitutional amendment, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif consulting coalition partners on the proposal. After its approval in today’s federal cabinet meeting, the amendment bill is expected to be presented to the Senate.
Initial project likely to offer:
- The Center gets a bigger share of the pie, with its share in National Finance Commission (NFC) awards increasing by 10 per cent, from 42.5 per cent to 52.5 per cent.
- Provinces cede autonomy in education and health sectors to Center
- Article 243 amended to grant the marshal constitutional powers
- The role of the president and prime minister in appointing judges will be reduced, with more power given to the Supreme Judicial Commission.
- A nine-member federal constitutional court replaces the existing constitutional bench in the Supreme Court.
- If there is a deadlock over the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, the matter will be referred to the Supreme Judicial Commission.
- The retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court is increased by two years, from 68 to 70 years.
Read: Judiciary in spotlight as government prepares constitutional bill
Cabinet reviews first draft
The Federal Cabinet is scheduled to meet this morning at Parliament to discuss the initial draft of the 27th constitutional amendment presented by Justice Minister Azam Tarar. The proposed bill will then be tabled in the Senate.
Under Article 239 of the Constitution of Pakistan, a rigorous constitutional process must be followed for the approval of any amendment. From the Senate, the project must be referred to the competent permanent committee, which will then transmit it to the joint permanent committee of Parliament for final approval.
Learn more: 27th Amendment – What We Know So Far
Yesterday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met delegations from all coalition partners, including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). He also met representatives of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Awami National Party (ANP) and Ishtehkam-e-Pakistan.
