The joint parliamentary committee has reconvened today to discuss the 27th Constitutional Amendment, with government leaders and coalition parties seeking consensus on reforms aimed at strengthening federal-provincial relations and judicial structures.

The joint meeting of the Senate and National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice will continue consultations on the 27th Amendment. Key proposals under review include:

Establishing a Federal Constitutional Court to handle constitutional interpretation and fundamental rights cases.
Reforms related to Senate elections.
Granting the Prime Minister authority to appoint seven advisors and increasing the number of advisors to Chief Ministers.
Removal of Articles 184, 186, and 191A from the Constitution.
Proposals for life sentences and immunity from arrest.

Chairman of the committee, Farooq H. Naik, emphasized that consultations would continue until 100 percent agreement is reached among stakeholders.

Political maneuvering and coalition support

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner for coalition party senators to discuss the amendment, highlighting its role in strengthening federal-provincial ties. Sharif expressed gratitude toward all coalition partners, including the PPP, MQM, and IPP, for their support.

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

The government has invited Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) to submit its proposals, signaling efforts to build broad consensus.

Senate session highlights

The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025, was formally presented in the Senate on Saturday under the chairmanship of Yousaf Raza Gilani. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, who tabled the bill, explained that it seeks to amend 48 constitutional articles, with 40 clauses dedicated to establishing the Federal Constitutional Court.

Before presenting the bill, a motion was passed to suspend the routine Senate agenda, allowing lawmakers to focus exclusively on the constitutional amendment.

Opposition concerns and protests

The session grew tense as opposition members, including PTI lawmakers, protested the fast-tracking of the bill. Barrister Ali Zafar criticized the government for moving ahead without giving the opposition sufficient time to review the draft.

PTI demanded recognition of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas as the opposition leader, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged all parties to maintain decorum and allow open debate.

Defending the amendment, Tarar stated that the proposed changes are intended to strengthen Pakistan’s institutions, not serve individual interests. He highlighted that the new Federal Constitutional Court would specifically address cases involving constitutional interpretation and fundamental rights, leaving other judicial matters to the Supreme Court.