27th Constitutional Amendment tabled in Senate

Islamabad: The 27th Constitutional Amendment has been introduced in the Senate. It was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Sharing main features, the Law Minister said that the proposed constitutional amendment comprises forty-nine clauses with five subject areas. 

He said the amendment envisages the establishment of a federal constitutional court.  He recalled that the establishment of a federal constitutional court was one of the points agreed upon amongst the political parties in the Charter of Democracy. He said the aim was to promote democracy and ensure supremacy of the constitution.

The Law Minister explained that the federal constitutional court will hear cases relating to constitutional matters and interpretation of the constitution. The permanent seat of the Federal Constitutional Court shall be at Islamabad.

The Law Minister said it has also been proposed that the President may transfer a Judge of a High Court from one High Court to another on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. For this purpose the chief justices of both high courts shall also be members of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.

As regards amendments in article 243, Azam Nazeer Tarar said the President shall, on advice of the Prime Minister, appoint the Chief of the Army Staff concurrently, the Chief of the Defense Forces. 

He also explained that the appointment of the chief of air staff and chief of naval staff will be made on the advice of the Prime Minister.

He said the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee shall stand abolished with effect from the twenty-seventh day of November 2025.

Azam Nazeer Tarar said the Prime Minister shall, on the recommendation of the Chief of the Army Staff concurrently the Chief of the Defense Forces, appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command from the members of Pakistan Army and shall also determine his salaries and allowances. 

He said that where the Federal Government promotes a member of the Armed Forces to the rank of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force or Admiral of the Fleet, such officer shall retain the rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life. Upon completion of the term of his command, under the law, the Federal Government shall determine the responsibilities and duties of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force or Admiral of the Fleet in the interest of the State.

The Law Minister said the opposition parties should hold discussion on the proposed constitutional amendment keeping in view the dignity, honour and sovereignty of the country.

The Chairman Senate referred the constitutional amendment to the Senate’s standing committee on law and justice for review and consideration.

He directed the Senate standing committee to also invite the Chairman and members of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice of the National Assembly to participate in its proceedings and share their inputs on the bill. He said both the committees should hold joint meetings for detailed review and consideration of the bill and that the report shall be presented before the house.

The house has now been adjourned to meet on Sunday at three pm.

Federal Cabinet has approved draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over the meeting of Federal Cabinet through video link from Baku.

The Prime Minister thanked the leadership of coalition partners and appreciated cabinet members.

The draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment will now be presented in the parliament.

Speaking at cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister also appreciated Ministry of Law and Justice, the Attorney General and his team and said that all stakeholders made efforts for the 27th amendment to strengthen relationship between federation and provinces.

He also thanked leadership of coalition parties including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Abdul Aleem Khan, Dr  Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Khalid Hussain Magsi who endorsed the draft.

The Prime Minister said that by the grace of Allah, the country has taken the right direction following political and economic stability in the country.

 He said all of us have to work together for the development and prosperity of the country.