ISLAMABAD: The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Law and Justice has approved the full draft of the proposed constitutional amendment, clearing 49 clauses for further consideration.
The committee meeting, chaired by Senator Farooq H. Naek and MNA Mahmood Bashir Virk, included Senators Tahir Khalil Sindhu, Hidayat Ullah, Shahedat Awan, Zameer Hussain Ghumro, Ali Haider Gillani, Syra Afzal Tarar, Bilal Azhar Kiani, Syed Naveed Qamar and Abrar Shah.
The meeting was notable for the absence of opposition members, as several opposition parties, including PTI, JUI, PKMAP, and MWM, announced a boycott of the session. The committee expressed regret over the absence of the opposition, emphasizing that their participation in such a crucial meeting was essential. Committee members criticized the opposition’s decision, calling it “extremely disappointing” and accusing them of intentionally distancing themselves from the process.
The committee approved a series of significant changes under the proposed constitutional amendment, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court and a revision to the timeline for pending cases. Under the proposed amendments, the period for deciding pending cases will be extended from six months to one year, after which any unresolved cases will be considered “disposed of.”
Additionally, the committee endorsed a proposal to grant lifetime uniform retention to field marshals, air force marshals, and admirals. The draft also includes provisions for the transfer of judges, with any judge refusing a transfer being considered retired.
While the committee has cleared the proposed draft, some objections remain. The Awami National Party (ANP) has expressed reservations about the 27th Amendment, particularly regarding changes to the name of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government has requested more time to consider the ANP’s proposal and will continue deliberations on this matter in the coming days.
Moreover, the government has sought additional time to address a proposal from Balochistan regarding an increase in the number of provincial assembly seats for the province. Both issues will be further discussed, and a final decision is expected after additional consultations.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment draft, approved by the committee, is scheduled to be presented in the National Assembly tomorrow. Meanwhile, the committee will reconvene to consider amendments proposed by the ruling coalition partners.
The proposed constitutional changes, which include the creation of constitutional courts and reforms in judicial processes, are seen as crucial for strengthening Pakistan’s legal and constitutional framework. However, the opposition’s ongoing boycott suggests that political divisions could continue to complicate the passage of these amendments in the future.
