The government’s draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment has come to light, unveiling sweeping constitutional changes that aim to restructure Pakistan’s judicial, administrative, and military frameworks.
The proposed amendment includes the establishment of a Constitutional Court, alterations in the command of the army, and potential adjustments in the NFC award affecting provincial shares.
At the top of the amendment is the proposal to establish a Constitutional Court in place of the current Constitutional Bench. The new court would take over constitutional interpretation and adjudication duties, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s judicial architecture.
Under the proposal, the chief justice of the Constitutional Court would head both the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) and the Judicial Commission, replacing the current leadership held by the chief justice of Pakistan.
Judicial reforms and transfer of judges
The amendment also seeks to remove the requirement of consent from both the judge and the chief justice concerned for the transfer of high court judges — a key change in Article 200 of the Constitution. This modification is expected to streamline judicial transfers but has raised debate over judicial independence.
Change in army command proposed
According to government sources, the amendment also includes provisions for changes in the command structure of the Pakistan Army, though specific details have not been publicly disclosed. The move signals an intention to bring greater clarity and structure to military command transitions.
NFC Award, federal control over key sectors
A significant fiscal adjustment is also being considered. The proposed amendment leaves room to reduce the share of provinces in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, a measure that could reshape the balance of financial power between the federation and the provinces.
In addition, the government plans to return population welfare and education to federal control — areas currently managed by provincial governments under the 18th Amendment. The proposal also includes restoring executive magistrates, reinstating a structure that was previously abolished.
Also Read: PML-N seeks PPP support for 27th Amendment, confirms Bilawal
The constitutional framework regarding the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will also be revised. The changes aim to redefine the process of appointments and may alter the balance of authority between the executive and the judiciary in election oversight.
Govt seeks consensus before tabling amendment
Government sources confirmed that the amendment will be presented in parliament only after consultation with coalition partners and the creation of broad-based political consensus. Officials say the objective is to ensure that such major constitutional changes are made with national agreement rather than unilateral action.
Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a PML-N delegation met him and President Asif Ali Zardari to seek their support for the approval of the proposed 27th Amendment.
Bilawal shared details of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), saying the PML-N delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested the PPP’s backing for the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
He revealed that the proposed amendment seeks to establish a Constitutional Court, restore the system of executive magistrates, and empower authorities to transfer judges.
