Govt to propose 28th amendment soon: Rana Sanaullah

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the government would soon introduce the 28th constitutional amendment and expressed confidence that the new amendment bill would “get” parliamentary approval.

Speaking to reporters in Chiniot, Sanaullah said the proposed amendment would focus on local bodies, National Finance Commission (NFC) and health issues. He added that consultations on these subjects were underway. “If a consensus is reached, the government can proceed to formally present the 28th Amendment in Parliament,” he said.

Sanaullah also commented on the recent resignations of two Supreme Court judges and a Lahore High Court judge, saying Parliament had the constitutional right to pass the amendments and the judges were bound by their oath to uphold them. “It is not appropriate for any judge to get involved in political protests,” he said. “Those who resigned did so for personal reasons.”

Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill into law, following its approval by both houses of parliament. With the President’s assent, the bill is now officially incorporated into the Constitution of Pakistan. Following the approval of the amendment, the Supreme Court’s top judges, Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, tendered their resignations.

In his 13-page resignation letter, Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said the 27th constitutional amendment constitutes a serious attack on the Constitution of Pakistan. He further noted that the amendment has fragmented the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Justice Athar Minallah, in his resignation letter, said: “It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve the people of Pakistan as a member of their judiciary, and I have, to the best of my ability, endeavored to discharge my duties in accordance with my oath. Today, it is the same oath that obliges me to present my official resignation.