The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025 was formally presented in the Senate on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s ongoing constitutional reform efforts.

The session, chaired by Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, saw both spirited debate and strong opposition protests as the government moved to advance the legislation.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar tabled the bill, which has already been approved by the federal cabinet. The draft seeks to establish a Federal Constitutional Court and amend 48 constitutional articles to redefine judicial powers and strengthen constitutional interpretation mechanisms.

Routine agenda suspended

Before the bill’s presentation, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved a motion to suspend the Senate’s routine agenda, including the question hour, which was approved by the House. This allowed the chamber to focus exclusively on deliberating the constitutional amendment.

Tarar stated that all stakeholders had been consulted and that the key points of the amendment would now be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Law and Justice. He clarified that the committee would improve the draft before it is brought back to the Senate for further discussion.

Also Read: Federal cabinet green-lights draft of 27th Constitutional Amendment

Opposition protests, leadership dispute

The session quickly grew tense as opposition members protested by banging desks and raising slogans. Barrister Ali Zafar criticized the government for what he described as “a rush to pass the bill”, arguing that no debate can take place without the formal appointment of the opposition leader.

He insisted that the 27th Amendment should first be read and understood before any discussion begins, adding, “We cannot discuss without reading the draft. We just got the draft and haven't read a word. The opposition shouldn't be blank-sided."

Members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded that Allama Raja Nasir Abbas be recognized as the opposition leader, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to maintain decorum and allow open debate.

“I want everyone to get a chance to speak today and tomorrow,” Dar said. “We should walk together for the supremacy of the Constitution. I had said that the appointment of the opposition leader is at the discretion of the chairman."

Minister defends amendment

Defending the government’s move, Tarar emphasized that the proposed changes were not for individuals but for the country’s institutional stability.

He revealed that the draft comprises 49 points, with 40 clauses specifically addressing the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court. The new court, he said, would handle cases related to constitutional interpretation and fundamental rights, while the Supreme Court would continue to hear all other cases.

Tarar reiterated that the idea of a Constitutional Court had been part of the Charter of Democracy and was brought to parliament after long consultations. He also noted that over 60,000 cases remain pending in Pakistan’s courts, underscoring the need for judicial reforms.

He further said that constitutional benches have already been formed in the Supreme Court, where constitutional cases comprise only 5% to 6%, adding that such cases take up 60% of the court's time.

The minister added that the transfer of judges would be handled by the Judicial Commission -- as per a proposal to transfer judges from one high court to another, ensuring greater transparency - and reaffirmed that parliament has full authority to approve or modify constitutional amendments.

Also Read: Salient features of 27th Amendment: All details you need to know

“At the time of the 26th Amendment, it was suggested to limit the changes to constitutional benches,” Tarar reminded the House. “Now, after thorough consultation, we have brought forward the proposal for a Constitutional Court.”

Opp from religious and political leaders

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas questioned the government’s haste in pushing through constitutional amendments, saying, “Why is there such a rush for these changes?”

He criticized the practice of drafting laws based on individual interests rather than national principles, remarking, “Legislation today is being shaped around individuals, not institutions. All sections of society have already rejected the 26th Amendment,” he said, adding that state institutions have become “paralysed and ineffective.”

Also Read: Consensus on constitutional court, judges' transfer to be seen by commission: Tarar

Allama Abbas warned that the new bill would “make the Constitution controversial” and deepen divisions in the country. “Why was the opposition not consulted?” he asked, asserting that such unilateral behaviour “creates doubts and suspicions” among the public.

Calling the move “an attack on the integrity of Pakistan,” he declared, “Such amendments should never be brought in this manner.”

He also condemned the treatment of political opponents, saying, “The person who received the most votes is behind bars. The founder of PTI is an oppressed man — even a prisoner has rights in jail.”

Abbas further said that the judiciary’s dignity was damaged after the 26th Amendment, emphasizing that “every institution and every individual must ultimately be accountable to parliament.”

Sherry Rehman’s remarks

“The constitutional amendment is not reversing anything,” Senator Sherry Rehman said. She emphasized that the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court was a long-standing commitment under the Charter of Democracy. Rehman added that the PPP has always upheld its principles, knowledge, and political identity, and remains steadfast in its determination to safeguard the rights of all citizens.

“The basic resolve to remain a guarantor of the people’s rights remains intact,” she stated, urging the government to implement other provisions of the Charter of Democracy as well.

Also Read: PPP backs bill on bureaucrats’ dual nationality: sources

Senator Faisal Javed maintained that it is the constitutional right of elected representatives to introduce and pass amendments. However, he questioned the legitimacy of the current parliament, asking, “Is this truly a parliament that represents the people?”

He further alleged that the PML-N and PPP are no longer representative parties of the public, adding that the people have lost confidence in both political groups.

Following its introduction, the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice. The committee will examine the draft in detail and suggest refinements before the bill is brought back to the Senate floor for final debate and voting.