ISLAMABAD: The government has introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the National Assembly, aiming to establish a Federal Constitutional Court and redefine key judicial and military appointments.
The bill was tabled by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar after its passage by the Senate.
According to the Law Minister, the proposed court will handle constitutional interpretation and disputes, with equal representation from all federating units, including the Islamabad High Court. Its permanent seat will be in Islamabad.
The amendment authorizes the President, on the Prime Minister’s advice, to transfer high court judges between provinces and appoint the Chief of the Army Staff as the concurrent Chief of Defense Forces.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee post will be abolished on November 27, 2025, while the Commander of the National Strategic Command will be appointed on the COAS’s recommendation.
Senior officers promoted to the honorary ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will retain their titles and privileges for life.
The amendment also grants lifetime immunity from criminal proceedings to the President, and to Governors during their terms, though this protection will not apply once they assume any public office after leaving office.
During the debate, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal emphasized strengthening local governments in line with the 18th Amendment.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said the proposal would enhance defence and governance, while Parliamentary Secretary Danyal Chaudhary said the new court would expedite justice delivery. BOI Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh called for a national Charter of Economy to ensure sustainable growth.
