ISLAMABAD, NOV 10: The Senate session is currently underway to approve the draft of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The government needs at least 64 votes to secure passage amid detailed debates on presidential immunity, judicial powers, and provincial reforms.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Law and Justice approved the basic draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment yesterday. Senator Farooq H. Naik is set to present the committee’s report, while Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar will introduce the amendment bill for Senate approval.
Committee members agreed in principle to grant immunity to the president during and after his tenure. However, the specific extent of this immunity is still under discussion.
Key provisions of proposed amendment
The amendment outlines several changes to the judiciary and executive structure:
Judicial Transfers: The President may transfer High Court judges on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission. Chief Justices of High Courts cannot be transferred, and transferred judges will not outrank the Chief Justice of their new court.
Constitutional Courts: New courts will be established, and cases that remain inactive for over a year will be considered disposed of.
Advisory Powers: The Prime Minister will have authority to appoint seven advisers. Proposals to increase the number of advisers to Chief Ministers have also been reviewed.
Provincial and coalition proposals
The committee discussed amendments from coalition parties, including:
MQM proposal: Local government representatives and development fund reforms. PPP raised objections to MQM’s proposals.
Other aoalition Amendments: Three additional amendments were presented by other partners.
Provincial changes: Consideration of renaming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Pakhtunkhwa and increasing the number of seats in the Balochistan Assembly.
It is important to note that a constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both houses: 64 votes in the Senate and 224 in the National Assembly. Currently, 30 opposition senators are expected to oppose the bill.
More than 35 government senators are present in the house, including PTI’s Dost Muhammad Khan and Falak Naz Chitrali. Government coalition leaders are in constant contact with senators to ensure maximum attendance and support.
After the committee presents its report, the process of passing the constitutional amendment will begin. Discussions on remaining coalition amendments are expected to continue, while the Senate gears up for a full vote.
