Political activity in Pakistan has intensified as the ruling coalition aims to push through the crucial 27th Constitutional Amendment. Sources indicate that the government has set a firm deadline to get the amendment passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate by November 14.
Although a planned meeting of parliamentary party leaders chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly could not take place, the House Business Advisory Committee did convene. The meeting was attended by leaders from all major political parties, excluding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Procedure for Passage:
The House Business Advisory Committee agreed on the sequence of approval: the constitutional amendment will first be passed by the Senate, and subsequently, it will be moved to the National Assembly for final ratification.
Political Arithmetic in the Houses:
The government currently commands significant support in the National Assembly, having the backing of 237 members against the required 224 votes for a constitutional amendment. The composition of the ruling alliance is detailed as follows:
| Party | Number of Members |
| PML-N | 125 |
| PPP | 74 |
| MQM | 22 |
| PML-Q | 5 |
| Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) | 4 |
| Other Allies (Zia League, National Party, BAP, 4 Independents) | 7 |
| Total Government Support | 237 |
| Opposition Members | 89 |
The Senate Hurdle:
The real challenge, however, lies in the Senate. The ruling coalition currently holds 61 members in the Upper House, but a two-thirds majority requires 64 members. Consequently, the government will need the support of an additional 3 members, likely from parties such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) or Awami National Party (ANP), to ensure the amendment’s successful passage. This tight margin necessitates active political maneuvering by the government to secure the required majority within the stipulated timeframe.
