Federal cabinet approves 27th constitutional amendment, Senate set to review

The federal cabinet on Saturday gave its approval to the 27th Constitutional Amendment, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presiding over the meeting via video link from Azerbaijan.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the cabinet was briefed on the amendment, which is now expected to be introduced in the Senate. “After presentation in the Senate, it is intended to refer the bill to a joint committee comprising members of the Senate and National Assembly law and justice committees so that a detailed discussion can take place,” he added.

According to sources, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised objections to several key provisions. The party reportedly opposed the removal of Clause 3A from Article 160 and rejected any proposals that would reduce provincial shares. It also disagreed with attempts to reverse Schedules 2 and 3, which relate to provincial autonomy, and objected to transferring education and population matters under federal control.

The PPP is also said to have opposed changes to Article 213 concerning the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, amendments to Article 63(1)(c) on civil servants holding dual nationality, and modifications to the powers of executive magistrates.

Minister Tarar said the prime minister had held consultations with coalition partners to discuss the bill’s provisions. He added that the legislation will move to the National Assembly after Senate proceedings.

The proposed amendment has already faced criticism from lawyers and political figures, who argue that it undermines provincial rights established under the 18th Amendment.