Pakistan Cabinet Approves 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill; To Be Presented in Senate Today

ISLAMABAD (M.Saleem ): Pakistan’s federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via video link from Baku, has approved the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which will be tabled in the Senate later today.

The special cabinet session was attended by senior ministers including Khawaja Asif, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Rana Tanveer, Aurangzeb Khichi, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, and Aun Chaudhry, among others. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan was also present at the Prime Minister’s House.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the amendment was approved in line with the Charter of Democracy and aims to amend Article 243 of the Constitution. “Parliament will now debate and make the final decision on the amendment,” he added.

Tarar explained that the proposed bill includes provisions to delegate judges’ transfer authority to the Judicial Commission, with both the outgoing and receiving High Court Chief Justices participating in the process.

The law minister also said that to eliminate ambiguity regarding the Senate elections, the bill proposes that elections for all Senate members be held simultaneously across the country, ensuring the six-year terms remain staggered as constitutionally required.

He further noted that the number of non-elected cabinet members, such as advisers and special assistants, is proposed to be increased.

Tarar said that following lessons from recent regional conflicts, including the Pakistan-India tensions, the bill seeks to clarify senior military command structures and mentions the position of Field Marshal, with recommendations on whether the rank should be held for life.

The minister added that any amendment will require a two-thirds parliamentary majority to become part of the Constitution. He also revealed that the government is working toward consensus on additional proposals, including Article 140-A (related to local government powers), tabled earlier by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Tarar further noted that the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) had demanded an increase in electoral constituencies in the province, which will also be discussed in the parliamentary committee.

According to sources, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has agreed to support three of the eight government proposals, including those related to the command of armed forces, establishment of constitutional courts, and transfer of judges, while differences remain on clauses concerning the NFC Award, appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, and executive magistrates’ judicial powers.