Party seeks action under Article 63-A, says senator violated its policy by supporting constitutional bill
The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the 27th (Amendment) Bill to the Constitution 2025. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted to the Senate President a declaration of defection against Senator Saifullah Abro, seeking action under Article 63-A of the Constitution for allegedly voting in favor of the 27th Constitutional Amendment in violation of party policy.
The statement, filed by PTI parliamentary party leader in the Senate Syed Ali Zafar, said Abro voted in favor of the amendment in two Senate sessions in November 2025, contrary to what the party describes as its formal instructions communicated to lawmakers.
According to the statement, a show cause notice was issued to the senator and no response was received within the stipulated time. The party said Abro was violating party discipline and was declared to have defected from the PTI under Article 63-A. The statement was forwarded to the Senate President for transmission to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Read: Motion of censure: the defection clause at the center of attention
Article 63-A of the Constitution of Pakistan provides that a Member of Parliament may be declared to have defected if he or she votes contrary to the stated policy of the party on matters such as constitutional amendments, money bills, votes of confidence or no confidence and the election of the Prime Minister or Chief Minister.
According to the constitutional procedure, a declaration issued by the party leader is forwarded to the Speaker of the concerned House and then forwarded to the Election Commission of Pakistan, which determines whether the member ceases to hold office in accordance with the Constitution.
Learn more: The 27th Amendment
The 27th Constitutional Amendment has been the subject of extensive parliamentary debate, particularly with regard to issues of constitutional restructuring and institutional jurisdiction. Political parties took strong internal positions on the amendment during the vote, with the PTI ordering its lawmakers to oppose the bill, a position reflected in the statement filed against Abro.
After submission of the statement to the Senate President, the matter shall be referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan for decision under Article 63-A, as requested in the party’s statement.
The PTI said in the document that the proceedings were initiated in accordance with constitutional requirements.
