Pakistan Government Secures Majority Support for 27th Constitutional Amendment

ISLAMABAD: The number game has taken center stage in Pakistan’s Parliament as the government moves to secure approval for the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

According to parliamentary sources, the ruling coalition currently enjoys the backing of 237 members in the National Assembly, where 224 votes are required for the passage of a constitutional amendment.

In the lower house, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) holds 125 seats, while its key ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), commands 74 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has 22 members, Pakistan Muslim League (PML) has 5, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) contributes 4 members to the coalition.

In addition, one member each from the Zia League, National Party, and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), along with four independents, are also part of the ruling alliance.

On the opposition benches, there are 89 members in the National Assembly.

In the Senate, the ruling coalition holds 61 seats, while the opposition has 35. To pass the amendment, the government requires a two-thirds majority — that is, 64 votes — and is expected to seek the support of three senators from either the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) or the Awami National Party (ANP).

Analysts say that with the numbers closely balanced in the upper house, the fate of the 27th Amendment will likely depend on last-minute political negotiations and alliances.