27th Constitutional Amendment: Proposal for 9-Member Constitutional Court, Judges’ Tenure Extended to 70, Field Marshal Role to Gain Constitutional Powers

NFC Award: Proposal to Reduce Provincial Share, Shift Education and Health Sectors to Federal Control

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has prepared the draft framework for the 27th Constitutional Amendment, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly consulting coalition partners ahead of its formal approval by the federal cabinet tomorrow. Once approved, the amendment bill will be tabled in the Senate.

According to official sources, the proposed amendment seeks to replace the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court with a new nine-member Constitutional Court. It also proposes extending the upper age limit of judges from 68 to 70 years for both the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.

The draft further suggests that in case of a deadlock over the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, the matter will be referred to the Supreme Judicial Commission. Additionally, the role of the President and Prime Minister in judicial appointments will be reduced, while the powers of the Judicial Commission will be enhanced.

Sources said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed reservations over granting additional powers to local governments, and further consultations will be held on this issue.

A major proposal in the draft includes amending Article 243 to grant constitutional recognition to the title of “Field Marshal”, along with lifetime constitutional powers and status.

The proposed amendment also calls for revising the NFC Award, reducing the provincial share by 10% to increase the federal government’s portion, while efforts are being made to reach consensus on transferring education and health sectors back under federal jurisdiction.