NA approves 27th Constitutional Amendment with two-thirds majority

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority. A total of 234 members voted in favour and four against, while the opposition boycotted the proceedings.

Following the National Assembly’s approval of the additional amendments, the bill will now be sent back to the Senate. The National Assembly session was prorogued till tomorrow.

Addressing the National Assembly after the approval, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the house had demonstrated unity and solidarity, expressing gratitude to all members.

He recalled the tragic attack on the Wana Cadet College, noting that Afghan nationals were also involved among the attackers, but all teachers and students were evacuated safely. He lauded the security forces for their swift response and extended congratulations to Pakistan Army officers and soldiers on behalf of the nation.

Commenting on the recent terrorist attack at the Islamabad Judicial Complex, the Prime Minister prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and the speedy recovery of the injured. He said it was evident that foreign elements were involved in terrorist incidents in Pakistan. He also referenced the Jaffar Express attack, citing involvement of India, the banned BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army), and TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan).

Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan would not allow any obstacle to its development and prosperity, adding that the Afghan Taliban regime was repeatedly urged to restrain the banned TTP. He highlighted the sacrifices of brave officers and soldiers in the fight against terrorism, saying their dedication ensures a safer future for the country. He also noted Pakistan’s 40-year-long hospitality to Afghans, calling for joint efforts to curb terrorist activities.

The prime minister thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and leaders including Dr. Khalid Magsi, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Aimal Wali Khan, and Farooq Sattar for their support in passing the amendment. He said the long-cherished dream of establishing the Constitutional Court had been fulfilled after 19 years, a commitment also mentioned in the Charter of Democracy.

Shahbaz Sharif emphasized that while opposition criticism is their democratic right, the focus must remain on national development, avoiding abusive language and personal attacks. He praised Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership for representing Pakistan’s stance domestically and internationally, adding that the country’s stature had risen on the global stage.

On the Field Marshal rank, the prime minister said the nation had widely appreciated Army Chief Syed Asim Munir’s elevation, noting that Pakistanis honour their heroes. He fully agreed with Bilawal Bhutto that a strong federation requires strong provinces and reiterated his support for all measures that strengthen the federation.

The law minister said the key features of the amendment had already been presented in the Senate, and that amendments to law and the Constitution are part of a continuous evolutionary process. He also confirmed that Justice Yahya Afridi will perform his duties as Chief Justice of Pakistan.

The amendment received 233 votes in favour and only 4 against, with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam opposing it.

During the session, 233 members were present on the government benches. Since 224 votes were required to pass the amendment, the government easily secured approval in the National Assembly, further strengthening its position.

Earlier, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment in the National Assembly stating that the Senate had passed the bill with a two-thirds majority.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are attending the National Assembly session. The current NA session is likely to approve the 27th Amendment today.

The government requires 224 votes for the bill’s passage and reportedly enjoys the support of 237 members.

According to sources, the government has decided to introduce further amendments to the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill. The additional amendments will be presented in the National Assembly, with separate lists for government and opposition proposals. Once approved, the bill will be sent back to the Senate.

It is expected that Article 6 of the Constitution — pertaining to high treason — will be amended. Specifically, clause 2A of Article 6 will be revised.

Sources said that the name of the Federal Constitutional Court will also be added alongside the Supreme Court. Any act of treason, as defined in clauses 1 or 2, will not be validated by any court, including the Federal Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, or any High Court.

The Senate session schedule has also been revised — it will now convene a day earlier at 5 pm today.

Government sources have confirmed that additional amendments to the 27th Amendment Bill are being introduced, while 11 amendments proposed by the opposition are also included on the agenda.

Meanwhile, proceedings on the resignation of PTI dissident Senator Saifullah Abro have been halted in connection with the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

 The Senate chairman has not signed Abro’s resignation, and no reference has been sent under Article 63A. Abro had earlier submitted his resignation to Parliament.

Earlier, Azam Tarar also met PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The meeting was attended by Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, Murtaza Wahab, and the Attorney General.

When a journalist asked Bilawal whether the amendment was meant to benefit a particular individual, he replied, “I will address that in my speech.”

When questioned about growing criticism of the PPP over the 27th Amendment, Bilawal said, “The PPP has always faced criticism.”

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Law Minister Tarar said discussions were ongoing over two to three constructive proposals related to the amendment, and voting would be held today. If the amendment passed by the Senate is altered, the changes will be referred back to the Senate for approval.

The minister said that any ambiguities in the bill could be discussed in the National Assembly, noting that Article 239 of the Constitution vests the authority to make amendments in Parliament — not the constitutional courts.

After meeting Tarar, Bilawal held consultations with the PPP’s legal team, which included Sherry Rehman and Farooq H Naek.