ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Saturday introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate, marking a significant step toward proposed changes in Pakistan’s judicial and defence structures.
The session, chaired by Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, began with a motion from the law minister to suspend the regular agenda in order to present the bill.
The motion was approved, and the bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee comprising members from both the National Assembly and Senate. Tarar said the government was not in a hurry and that the committee would thoroughly examine each clause of the bill, inviting participation from other members as well.
Chairman Gilani directed the Standing Committee on Law and Justice to take up the bill and urged opposition lawmakers to attend the committee’s deliberations.
Following a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the law minister told the media that the cabinet had reached a consensus on the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court under the 27th Amendment. He said the amendment had been approved in principle and would now go to the joint parliamentary committee for detailed discussion.
According to him, the legislation was being carried out in consultation with coalition partners, consistent with the Charter of Democracy which had earlier envisioned the creation of a Constitutional Court.
Tarar also said that the power to transfer judges, which has long been a point of contention, would be placed under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Commission, removing executive involvement in such matters.
He added that the amendment also includes provisions regarding the creation of a new Chief of Defence Forces position, proposed to be held by the Army Chief, and the formal recognition of Field Marshal, Air Chief, and Naval Chief as honorary titles. Adjustments in Article 243 have been suggested to clarify the appointment and ceremonial ranking of senior military officials.
The law minister noted that the proposed constitutional changes would only take effect after being approved by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
