Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Commends Coalition Support for 27th Constitutional Amendment
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all coalition parties for their support and cooperation in the process of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. This was stated during a banquet held at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad on Sunday night, which honored government and coalition Senators.
The prime minister extended his thanks to President Asif Ali Zardari, leaders of all coalition parties, and the Senators. He emphasized that the efforts made together were aimed at strengthening the federation, promoting inter-provincial harmony, improving governance, and serving the broader interests of the country. He further noted that all coalition parties fully supported this national initiative. According to him, the milestones achieved during their tenure are a result of joint efforts and the support from coalition partners.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements and international esteem as a reflection of unity across different ranks. In reference to the country’s gradually improving economic situation, he attributed it to political stability. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of continuing collaborative efforts for the development and prosperity of the country.
In addition, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed that the proposed constitutional amendment, tabled by some senators from the PML-N regarding immunity for the prime minister, be withdrawn immediately. On his X handle, the Prime Minister stated that as a matter of principle, an elected Prime Minister must remain fully accountable, both before the court of law and the people. He mentioned that upon returning from Azerbaijan, he was informed that some Senators from his party had submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the prime minister. While acknowledging their good faith intent, he clarified that the proposal was not part of the cabinet-approved draft.
Progress on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill
Meanwhile, the Standing Committees on Law and Justice of both houses of Parliament approved the draft of a bill for the 27th Constitutional Amendment after certain changes. Senator Farooq H Naek informed reporters that he and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had been authorized to make changes to some clauses of the bill, without sharing further details about the said clauses. Tarar also mentioned that they would submit a report on the proposals finalized by the committees to the Senate on Monday.
The bill for the 27th Amendment was introduced before the Senate a day prior, shortly after the federal cabinet approved it, which led to noisy protests from the opposition regarding the pace and scope of the proposed changes. The initial draft of the bill included changes to the military leadership structure, creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), modifications to the appointment process for high court judges, and a higher cap on provincial cabinets. Subsequently, the bill was referred to the Senate and National Assembly standing committees on Law and Justice for further deliberation. The committees had met on Saturday, and the session was reconvened on Sunday.
Senator Farooq H. Naek, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Law and Justice, and his counterpart for the National Assembly panel, MNA Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, co-chaired the meeting. Lawmakers from the PTI, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) continued their boycott of the parliamentary committee. Tarar and Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik were also present at the meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and PML-N leader Ishaq Dar briefly attended the proceedings. PML-N Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Awami National Party’s (ANP) Hidayatullah Khan, and PPP MNAs Kasim Gilani and Syed Abrar Ali Shah were among the participants, while PML-N MNA Shumaila Rana joined via video link.
During lunch break, Naek told the media that ‘discussions on three points were yet to be completed – transfers of cases from one high court to another high court, transfer of judges from high court to another high court and Article 243 (command of the armed forces).’
During another break, ANP’s Hidayatullah Khan told reporters that the committee had sought time until Monday to decide on his party’s suggestion for changing the name of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, Tarar stated that it was decided that provinces be taken into confidence on changing the province’s name. MQM-P’s suggestion regarding local governments was also discussed, he added.