📝 Complete News Report
ISLAMABAD— In a major political and legal maneuver, Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment has been successfully passed by the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority. The new draft is now scheduled to be sent to the Senate for decisive approval today. The Senate session is set for 11 a.m., followed by a Federal Cabinet meeting in the afternoon to approve corresponding legal changes necessitated by the constitutional amendments.
The 27th Amendment incorporates eight new changes that are anticipated to reshape key aspects of the nation’s legal framework. A significant revision targets Article 6, Clause 2, which deals with high treason. The government has amended the clause by adding the term “Constitutional Court” alongside the High Court and Supreme Court. This change ensures that the act of high treason cannot be validated by any court, thereby strengthening the constitutional safeguard against such actions.
Another crucial amendment pertains to the office of the Chief Justice. The incumbent Chief Justice will retain the title of “Chief Justice of Pakistan” until the end of his term. Subsequently, the title will be held by the most senior judge among the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court. Additionally, the National Assembly is set to approve new statutes governing the three Armed Forces.
Parliamentary Tensions and Unity
The voting process in the National Assembly was characterized by high political tension. The government successfully secured 234 votes, well exceeding the required 224 majority. Conversely, the opposition vehemently protested the bill, tearing up copies and staging a walkout after demonstrating near the Speaker’s dais. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) was the sole party to cast a dissenting vote against the amendment.
The momentous voting also served as a stage for displays of political camaraderie. Nawaz Sharif attended the session specifically to cast his vote. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was seen visiting Sharif at his seat, where Sharif offered a gesture of affection to Asifa Bhutto Zardari. Furthermore, PPP veteran Khursheed Shah, despite being in poor health, arrived in the House on a wheelchair to participate in the vote, highlighting the perceived importance and gravity of this constitutional legislation.
