Islamabad (Web Desk): The Senate has commenced its sitting to examine the parliamentary committee’s report on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, with Presiding Officer Manzoor Ahmed presiding over the proceedings.
The federal government had introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Upper House last week, seeking major reforms to Pakistan’s judicial system and the structure of the armed forces’ command. The move drew strong criticism and protests from opposition parties.
The proposed legislation includes the creation of a federal constitutional court, lifelong immunity for the president, and permanent recognition of the field marshal rank among its most notable provisions.
As per the Senate Secretariat’s schedule for November 10, the day’s agenda features key legislative matters, including consideration of the 27th Amendment Bill.
After the recitation, Senator Farooq H. Naek, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice, is expected to present the committee’s report on The Constitution (27th Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Agenda items 44 and 45 relate to the formal presentation of the amendment for immediate discussion and approval. Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will move the bill for debate and passage.
Speaking to journalists earlier, Senator Naek confirmed that the committee had endorsed the draft of the 27th Amendment, with new suggestions incorporated after the latest round of consultations. He said the committee had authorised him and Minister Tarar to finalise the remaining provisions of the amendment.
The joint meeting, co-chaired by Senator Naek and MNA Mehmood Bashir Virk, was attended by Senators Tahir Khalil Sindhu, Hidayatullah, Shahadat Awan, Zamir Hussain Ghumro, and MNAs Ali Haider Gillani, Saira Afzal Tarar, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Syed Naveed Qamar, and Abrar Shah. Law Secretary Raja Naeem Akbar and senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice were also present.
Members of the opposition, including those from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), boycotted the meeting, prompting concern among committee members who emphasised that the opposition’s participation was essential for a constitutional process of such magnitude.
According to sources, the Awami National Party (ANP) raised objections to certain parts of the bill and skipped the prime minister’s dinner in protest. Its proposal to rename Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was deferred after the government requested more time for internal discussions.
Similarly, the Balochistan Awami Party’s (BAP) proposal to expand the provincial assembly seats was postponed for further consideration. Both matters are expected to be revisited on Monday.
After comprehensive discussions, the committee approved modifications to Article 243 of the Constitution and endorsed the establishment of constitutional courts.
It also approved an amendment to extend the timeframe for deciding pending cases from six months to one year, under which any case left inactive for more than a year will be treated as settled.
At present, Article 243 of the Constitution vests the President of Pakistan with the supreme command of the armed forces, while the operational control remains with the federal government.
The main features of the proposed 27th Amendment include,
* A new post titled Chief of Defence Forces will be instituted to act as the supreme head of the country’s armed forces, taking effect from November 27, 2025.
* The incumbent Chief of Army Staff will transition to this newly established position as the Chief of Defence Forces.
* The prestigious ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet will be retained as lifetime honors.
*The Prime Minister will designate the Commander of the National Strategic Command from the Pakistan Army, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces.
*A Federal Constitutional Court will be set up as part of the constitutional changes.
*The court will comprise equal representation from all provinces, ensuring balanced provincial inclusion.
*The President and Prime Minister will have decisive roles in the selection of judges for the Federal Constitutional Court.
*The total strength of judges in the Federal Constitutional Court will be determined by Parliament.
*Certain jurisdictional powers of the Supreme Court will be transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court, thereby reducing the Supreme Court’s authority in specific areas.
*The Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court will hold office for a non-renewable term of three years.
*The President of Pakistan will be granted lifelong immunity from criminal proceedings under the proposed amendment.