ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate has passed the landmark 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, marking a major step toward judicial reform and stronger federal harmony. The bill secured a commanding two-thirds majority with 64 votes in favor, signaling broad coalition support despite opposition protests.
The amendment, designed to reduce the Supreme Court’s workload and promote provincial representation, introduces key reforms including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and new rules to ensure judicial efficiency and accountability.
Tense Session, Clear Outcome
The bill’s approval came after a heated session chaired by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. Opposition parties staged walkouts, shouted slogans, and tore copies of the bill, calling it an attack on judicial independence.
Despite disruptions, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar pressed forward, guiding the house through clause by clause voting. The process concluded with the bill’s decisive passage, cheered by the government benches.
Key Reforms in the Amendment
The Federal Constitutional Court will handle constitutional and inter-provincial matters, helping to ease the Supreme Court’s backlog of over 50,000 cases.
Senator Farooq H. Naek, head of the Senate’s Law Committee, highlighted consensus changes made by a joint parliamentary committee, emphasizing inclusivity and legal modernization.
Under the new rules:
- Judges with five years’ experience in High Courts will now qualify for FCC appointments (reduced from seven).
- The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) gains new powers to nominate women, non-Muslims, and technocrats for greater diversity.
- Suo motu powers of the FCC will only apply to formally filed cases, preventing arbitrary interventions.
- Stay orders on financial or revenue cases will automatically expire after one year, ensuring quicker resolution.
- Judicial transfers will now be managed collectively through the JCP instead of presidential discretion.
Government’s Vision and Support
PML N Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani hailed the bill as “delegation for efficiency, not dilution,” while PPP’s Zamir Hussain Ghumro termed it a “milestone for democracy and federal balance.”
Other coalition lawmakers praised the amendment as part of Pakistan’s constitutional evolution, ensuring fair representation and modern governance.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar called the reform a “unifying force,” reflecting democratic values seen in many global systems. He stressed that the changes uphold devolution, improve governance, and ensure transparency.
Next Steps and Reactions
With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the National Assembly, where the government’s strong majority ensures easy passage.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described it as “a shared victory for provincial unity and institutional stability.”
However, opposition leaders like PTI’s Ali Zafar criticized the process as rushed and politically motivated, promising to challenge it both legally and through public protests.
A Step Toward Modern Governance
Supporters view the 27th Amendment as a historic stride toward an efficient judiciary, balanced governance, and national integration.
Despite political turbulence, the passage symbolizes Pakistan’s continuing democratic resilience and commitment to reform.
