Govt to propose further revisions to 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill

The government has decided to propose further changes to the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, signalling a new phase in the ongoing legislative process. According to sources, these additional amendments, including proposals from both the government and opposition, will be presented in the National Assembly.

Once approved by the National Assembly, the bill incorporating the additional changes will be sent back to the Senate.

A Senate session, rescheduled at short notice, is now set for 5.00pm today. The move has already sparked reactions in judicial and political circles, with protests emerging in various parts of the country, reflecting growing public attention and scrutiny over the amendments.

The National Assembly currently has 326 sitting members, with 10 seats vacant. To pass a constitutional amendment, the ruling coalition needs the “golden figure” of 224 votes. The government presently enjoys the support of 237 members, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) holding the largest share of 125 seats.

Other allied parties include the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) with 22 members, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) with 5, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party with 4, Pakistan Muslim League-Zia with 1, and the Balochistan Awami Party with 1. Additionally, four independent members back the coalition.

MQM leader Syed Mustafa Kamal stated that his party’s proposals regarding local governments were not incorporated in the 27th Amendment but would be included in the forthcoming 28th Amendment Bill. However, the National Party, also part of the ruling alliance, has decided not to vote in favour of the constitutional amendment.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), with 74 members, remains a crucial supporter, helping the government secure both a simple majority and the necessary two-thirds majority for constitutional changes.