- A draft approved by the Cabinet will be tabled in the Senate tomorrow.
- The joint committee approves 49 proposed constitutional amendments.
- Opposition parties boycott session on 27th Amendment.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated coalition partners for supporting the advancement of the 27th constitutional amendment, terming the achievement a reflection of “national unity and collective resolve”.
The prime minister hosted a dinner between government and coalition senators after a joint parliamentary committee comprising lawmakers from the Senate and the National Assembly’s standing committees on law and justice approved the full draft of the proposed 27th Amendment, sources said. PK Press Club News earlier in the day.
The prime minister said all allied parties “strongly support the government’s national approach”, adding that the spirit of cooperation had strengthened the federation.
“The government and all coalition partners have worked together for better governance and harmony between the provinces,” the Prime Minister remarked, appreciating their role in the process of approving the amendment.
He said every step taken under the current government was a result of mutual understanding and teamwork between the ruling party and its allies.
“Our diplomatic achievements and Pakistan’s strengthened global position reflect the unity and coordination among all coalition partners,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that the country’s economic situation was gradually improving, crediting political stability and responsible governance for leading Pakistan in the right direction.
“With the grace of Allah, political and economic stability has put the nation on the right track,” he said, stressing that collective efforts were essential to ensure prosperity.
He also expressed gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari and leaders of all coalition parties for their valuable cooperation and support in strengthening democracy and national cohesion.
The joint committee held its key session today, chaired by Senator Farooq H Naek and MP Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, and approved 49 proposed amendments clause by clause.
However, opposition parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and Majlis-e-Wahdatul-Muslimeen (MWM), boycotted the session as their members did not turn up for the meeting.
The draft of the 27th constitutional amendment, already approved by the cabinet, will be presented to the Senate tomorrow (Monday), the sources confirmed.
The adjustments proposed by the coalition parties will be reviewed at a meeting scheduled for tomorrow, the sources said.
The approval of the amendments included adjustments to Article 243, marking a key step in advancing constitutional adjustments.
Currently, Article 243 of the Constitution vests the supreme command of the armed forces in the President of Pakistan, while stipulating that their control and command rest with the federal government.
The day before, the federal government had introduced a 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in the Senate – proposing sweeping changes to the country’s judicial system as well as the military command structure.
The amendment proposes a modification of Article 243, aimed at removing the position of “Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee” (JCSC) and introducing a new title, “Chief of Defense Forces”.
Other proposals include the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court and reviewing the process of appointing high court judges.
The proposed amendment also seeks to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court, shifting some authorities to the proposed Constitutional Court, and granting the president lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution.
After the conclusion of the session, Senator Naek confirmed that the committee had approved the basic draft of the constitutional amendment, adding that he and the Minister of Justice had received powers from members for some adjustments.
However, the federal government has sought additional time to consider proposals to rename Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and increase the number of seats in the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, the sources said.
“Both proposals will be subject to further review and final decisions are expected tomorrow,” they added. The consultations are a preliminary step, necessary before finally presenting the draft of the 27th amendment for approval to Parliament.
Main Features of the 27th Constitutional Amendment
- A new position of Chief of Defense Forces will be created at the head of the armed forces from November 27, 2025.
- Chief of Army Staff to assume role of chief of defense forces
- The titles of Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet will remain for life
- The Prime Minister will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command of the Pakistan Army on the recommendation of the Chief of Defense Forces.
- Creation of the Federal Constitutional Court
- Equal representation of provinces proposed at the Federal Constitutional Court
- President and prime minister to play key role in judicial appointments
- Parliament will decide on the number of judges at the Federal Constitutional Court
- The powers of the Supreme Court will be reduced and some authorities will be transferred to the new court
- The term of office of the President of the Federal Constitutional Court will be limited to three years
- Presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for life
