The Senate on Monday approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with two-thirds majority. The bill secured 64 votes in favour and none against.

The result was announced by the Senate chairman following a division of votes. The results came after the House approved the bill clause wise following its introduction by Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar.

The session witnessed heated protests from opposition members, who tore up copies of the agenda in protest. The opposition staged a walkout during the session.

JUI, PTI senators vote in favour

However, JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan and PTI’s Saifullah Abro remained present in the house. Both lawmakers voted in favour of the amendment.

“Our party constitution and the Senate’s rules were violated by Kamran Murtaza,” a party member said. Kamran Murtaza added, “Action will be taken once Maulana Fazlur Rehman returns from Bangladesh.”

He further stated, “Article 62 will be applied to those who vote against the party policy. Any member who violates the party constitution will lose their Senate membership.”

Senator Hamid Khan also walked out of the Senate session, saying, “I regret that Saifullah Abro voted in favor of the amendment. The amendment goes against the Constitution and democracy.”

PTI leader Ali Zafar said, “We had instructed our parliamentary party that no one should vote in opposition. A member voted against our policy, and we will take action against Saifullah Abro under Article 62. He will not remain part of our party, and his membership will also be terminated.”