Senate Witnesses Heated Debate Over Proposed 27th Amendment

APP 

Islamabad:The Senate on Sunday witnessed intense debates over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, with treasury members calling it a historic step toward strengthening the constitutional framework, enhancing judicial transparency, and ensuring inclusive representation across all federating units.

Opposition senators, however, rejected the bill, arguing it could undermine judicial independence.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said the struggle for judicial independence in Pakistan had historically been led by political workers and democratic forces rather than the judiciary itself.

He welcomed the amendment, noting that judicial independence should not translate into unaccountable authority. Rashid also criticized opposition members for boycotting committee deliberations, saying they missed the opportunity to contribute their recommendations.

Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emphasized that parliamentarians should engage constructively to prevent any institution from exceeding its constitutional mandate. He urged committee chairpersons to actively convene meetings to ensure ministerial accountability.

Senator Talha Mahmood (PPP) described the amendment as a timely reform aimed at strengthening state structures amid internal and external challenges. He praised the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court to reduce case backlogs and maintain a balance between federal and provincial jurisdictions.

Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan (PML-N) criticized opposition parties for politicizing the debate and urged them to participate in committees rather than boycott legislative work.

He said the amendments were designed to restore parliamentary powers that had eroded over time and ensure transparent judicial appointments. Khan also condemned statements by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against the armed forces.

Senator Sarmad Ali Khan (PPP) noted that the Federal Constitutional Court concept had been part of the Charter of Democracy and PPP’s manifesto since 2008. He said the amendment would reinforce parliamentary oversight without weakening the judiciary, adding, “Parliament is being strengthened, not the courts weakened.”

Senator Danish Kumar highlighted the importance of minority inclusion in decision-making, proposing that every federal and provincial cabinet include at least one minority member, citing Pakistan’s roots in tolerance and Sufi traditions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, responding to points raised by Senators Mohsin Aziz and Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, explained the historical background of the reforms. He said the idea of a Federal Constitutional Court originated during 2002–2006 consultations between the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and was later formalized in the 2006 Charter of Democracy.

Dar added that the concept had been endorsed by other major political leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Asfandyar Wali Khan, and Imran Khan, describing it as a shared national vision.

Other senators, including Syed Ali Zafar, Faisal Javed, Mohsin Aziz, and Noorul Haq Qadri, voiced their opposition to the amendment. The Senate adjourned and will resume deliberations on Monday.