Senator Vawda brings celebratory sweets to Parliament ahead of 27th amendment vote

ISLAMABAD: Moments before the Senate’s consideration of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, a celebratory mood was evident among members of the ruling coalition. Senator Faisal Vawda captured this optimism in a symbolic gesture, arriving at Parliament carrying a basket of sweets.

As he distributed sweets to journalists and fellow lawmakers, Vawda said, “These are the sweets of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, everything has been decided.” With a smile, he reminded reporters of his earlier prediction, saying, “I told my media friends this would happen. Now I’m sharing sweets to celebrate the 27th Amendment. The debate on the 27th and 28th is over — the decision has been made.”

He added humorously, “Eat the sweets of the 27th Amendment and get ready for the 28th.”

Vawda praised the government’s move, calling it a step in line with democratic and constitutional traditions. “The Prime Minister has taken a commendable initiative under constitutional norms,” he said. “The country needed a constitutional court, and now our defense line will be even stronger.”

Responding to questions about the proposed exemption for the president included in the amendment, Vawda clarified that any such provision would apply equally to both the current and future presidents.

PARTY POSITION AND NUMBERS

The Senate session convened to approve the 27th Constitutional Amendment requires a two-thirds majority, at least 64 votes, for passage. The ruling coalition currently commands 61 seats: 26 from the PPP, 20 from the PML-N, four from the Balochistan Awami Party, three from the MQM, and one each from the National Party and the PML-Q. Additionally, six independent senators; Hafiz Abdul Karim, Abdul Qadir, Mohsin Naqvi, Anwarul Haq Kakar, Asad Qasim, and Faisal Vawda; also back the government.

Political sources indicate that informal support from the Awami National Party (ANP) has given the government the necessary numbers, making the Senate’s approval of the 27th Amendment all but certain.

The ruling alliance already secured a comfortable two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, where 237 members supported the amendment, well above the 224 votes required for passage.