NA Approves 27th Constitutional Amendment Amid Opposition Walkout

Key Points of the 27th Amendment:

• Army chief assumes role of Chief of Defence Forces
• Lifetime titles for Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, Admiral of Fleet
• Incumbent chief justice remains until end of current term
• Senior-most among SC CJ and FCC CJ designated as Chief Justice of Pakistan
• Federal Constitutional Court established with equal provincial representation
• FCC empowered to take suo motu notice on petitions
• President and prime minister play key roles in judicial appointments
• Presidential immunity limited if post-tenure public office assumed
• Judicial Commission to decide transfers of high court judges; objections reviewed by Supreme Judicial Council

The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, reshaping Pakistan’s judicial structure and military command, as opposition members staged a walkout in protest. The bill was approved with 234 votes in favor and four against.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated lawmakers for their support. “The passage of this amendment marks a historic step in strengthening our institutions,” he said.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill, which introduces eight key amendments clarifying the chief justice’s position and establishing a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) with equal provincial representation. The bill also limits the judiciary’s ability to take suo motu actions and formalizes the appointment process for the chief justice, while providing constitutional protections for the army chief’s role as Chief of Defence Forces. Notably, the upper house of the parliament had passed this amendment

Repeating its opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) walked out and did not participate in voting. Some opposition lawmakers tore up copies of the bill. Four members from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), once an ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), voted against the amendment.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended the bill, highlighting the curtailment of suo motu powers. “We have witnessed prime ministers and ministers being humiliated under the pretext of suo motu. The judiciary even used this authority to regulate the prices of tomatoes and potatoes,” he said. “We have seen a Chief Justice use this power to initiate a dam project. But from now on, there will be no suo motu.”

Bilawal added that the amendment establishes a proper constitutional court, further strengthening the judicial system. He also condemned recent terrorist attacks, urging national unity. “We may have political or ideological differences, but the entire nation must unite against terrorism,” he said.

In a dramatic protest, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai tore up a copy of the amendment in the assembly, denouncing it as “undemocratic” and questioning the parliament’s legitimacy. “Efforts are being made to block the path of public rule in Pakistan,” he said.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated his party’s commitment to dialogue. “We have stood with Pakistan and will always stand with Pakistan,” he said, accusing the government of blocking access to party leaders and provincial chief ministers.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq renewed his call for talks between the government and opposition. “As speaker of the National Assembly, I am ready to facilitate negotiations… Even if nothing comes out on the first day, continuing talks will yield results,” he said.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized the opposition’s rejection of the bill, accusing PTI of “selective morality, selective justice, double standards.” He challenged their refusal to propose improvements to the amendment and their repeated focus on Form-47 following the 2024 elections.

The amendment required a two-thirds majority in the 336-member house, which the ruling coalition comfortably secured.