ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Wednesday passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two thirds majority, marking a major legislative milestone after its earlier approval by the National Assembly despite intense protests and slogan-chanting from opposition benches.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the revised bill, which secured 64 votes in favour and four against in the 96-member upper house. The bill, earlier approved by the National Assembly with 234 votes, was re-submitted after incorporating several key revisions.
The session, chaired by Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, turned tense when PTI Senator Ali Zafar raised objections over votes cast by two opposition defectors PTI’s Saifullah Abro and JUI-F’s Ahmad Khan claiming both had already resigned and stood disqualified under Article 63-A of the Constitution. He warned that PTI would legally challenge the count if their votes were included.
Rejecting this interpretation, Law Minister Tarar clarified that disqualification does not take effect automatically, and can only occur after due process involving a reference, hearing, and confirmation by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Supporting this stance, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described the disputed votes as an act of “conscience, not defection,” stating that no official resignations or references had been received, and thus the lawmakers remained legitimate members of the Senate.
The amended bill introduces eight major provisions, including the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to clearly define judicial hierarchy and jurisdiction. Other notable changes include:
- The Chief of Army Staff will be designated as Chief of Defence Forces.
- The FCC will have equal provincial representation.
- The incumbent Chief Justice will continue as Chief Justice of Pakistan until retirement.
- Future Chief Justice of Pakistan will be the senior most among the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and FCC.
- The FCC will have the power to take suo motu notice.
- Revisions made to Article 6 (high treason) and Article 10(4) (preventive detention).
- Oath-related clauses from the Senate’s earlier draft have been removed.
The bill received smooth approval with full backing from PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, IPP, and regional allies, while JUI-F lawmakers voted against it.
