The federal cabinet - chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via video link from Baku - has approved the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

More than 25 federal ministers, including Rana Sanaullah, Hanif Abbasi, Khawaja Asif, Mosaddiq Malik, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Aun Chaudhry, Shazra Mansab, and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, attended the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan were also present, ensuring legal guidance during the approval process. The cabinet’s endorsement is a significant step toward presenting the bill in the Senate.

Senate submission and committee review

The 27th Constitutional Amendment draft is expected to appear as a supplementary agenda in today’s Senate meeting. Sources indicate it may be referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee for detailed examination.

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The government has also expressed interest in joint committee consultations with allied parties to reach consensus before parliamentary approval.

Consultations with allied parties

The Prime Minister consulted with allied parties, including PPP, MQM, Pakistan Muslim League, IPP, BAP, Awami National Party, National Party, and Ijazul Haq.
Among the agreements reached was the establishment of a Constitutional Court, fulfilling a longstanding commitment in the Charter of Democracy. The proposal for a separate federal constitutional court will now move forward as part of the amendment bill.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasised that chairing the meeting via video link is fully within legal provisions and has been used previously by members and the Prime Minister alike.

PPP confirms support and positions

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari confirmed his party’s support for the creation of a Constitutional Court. Speaking after the Central Executive Committee meeting in Karachi, he noted that other points of the Charter of Democracy will also be discussed to reach potential consensus.

On judicial transfers, Bilawal proposed that a commission consisting of the chief justice of the originating court and the chief justice of the receiving court should consult the judge being transferred. However, the PPP has not reached consensus on dual citizenship and certain Election Commission matters, and thus cannot support those sections at this time.

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Bilawal reaffirmed that the PPP will protect provincial shares under the NFC Award, ensuring allocations are not reduced. He also highlighted the party’s support for local government elections, opposing non-partisan polls. Bilawal noted that discussions with PML-N on the 27th Amendment did not propose changes to local government provisions.

PML-Q backs 27th Amendment

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has formally announced its support for the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, emphasizing its commitment to national reconciliation and strengthening constitutional institutions.

Senior Vice President Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken the party’s parliamentary members into full confidence regarding the amendment. “The proposed constitutional amendment will enhance the performance of constitutional institutions and promote national harmony,” he added.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain chaired a consultative meeting of PML-Q leaders, where the party decided to fully cooperate with the government on constitutional reforms. He reiterated that PML-Q has always prioritized strengthening institutions and fostering national unity.

“The government has been in constant contact with our party regarding constitutional reforms, and the Prime Minister has ensured our parliamentary party is fully informed,” Chaudhry Salik said.

The party’s announcement signals a continued collaborative approach towards constitutional amendments, reflecting a focus on political stability and institutional efficiency.