Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government likely to present the 27th Constitutional Amendment in the Senate on November 7, with proceedings expected to continue even on a holiday as the bill is likely to be approved by November 10.
The amendment introduces major reforms to the judicial structure and provincial financial powers.
Sources privy to the development said. the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment will be tabled in the upcoming Senate session on November 7. The proceedings will continue through the weekend, including Saturday, a public holiday.
The Senate will debate the amendment on Friday and Saturday before forwarding it to the relevant committee.
Sources say the PM Shehbaz has decided to take coalition partners into confidence regarding the proposed legislation. A dinner is expected to be hosted soon by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for allied members, with the Awami National Party (ANP) also invited.
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The amendment is expected to receive final approval on November 10 in the Senate session, which will continue till November 14. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has also called a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee on November 6 to discuss the proposal and future political strategy.
Key changes under 27th Amendment
Under the proposed 27th Amendment, the Supreme Judicial Council and the Judicial Commission will be headed by the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, replacing the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
The amendment also seeks to abolish the requirement for consent from the concerned judge and the Chief Justice in cases of High Court judge transfers.
Additionally, it includes proposals to reduce provincial shares in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and to withdraw Population Welfare and Education Departments from the provinces, bringing them under federal jurisdiction.
Opposition vows to resist amendment
Opposition parties have vowed to challenge the proposed legislation “at all costs.”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser said the 27th Amendment “goes beyond the judiciary’s restructuring” and could “undermine its independence.” He accused the PPP of being “an equal partner in this political maneuver.”
Similarly, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar warned that the amendment “will shake the foundations of the country,” emphasizing the need to maintain constitutional balance.
Govt’s justification
Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar defended the proposed constitutional changes, saying they aim to strengthen the judicial system and transition “from a constitutional bench towards a constitutional court.”
He urged the public and media to avoid “speculation or conjecture” until official announcements are made, stressing that the reforms are part of a “broader effort to reinforce judicial institutions.”
Tarar also criticized PTI for “promoting the narrative of a convicted prisoner,” stating that “supporting any terrorist is neither legally nor morally acceptable.” He remarked that PTI had now become “a roundabout” instead of a party known for taking U-turns.
PTI leaders warn of constitutional risks
Outside Adiala Jail, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar called the 27th Amendment a “serious constitutional risk.” He said creating another court above the existing judiciary would be a “historic mistake.”
Gohar also cautioned that provisions affecting provincial shares in the NFC award could heighten tensions among provinces. “The Constitution clearly states that no province’s share can be reduced,” he reminded.
