ISLAMABAD: Moving at an unexpectedly fast pace, the National Assembly today [April 23] passed the first Constitution Amendment Bill with 104 members voting for it and the Opposition abstaining. Following an understanding between the two sides … the Government introduced four oral amendments in the Bill, including one providing protection to awards given for meritorious services to members of the Armed Forces.

The Bill amending 12 Articles of the Constitution and its First Schedule contained 14 amendments — the major ones seeking to adjust the recognition of Bangladesh, remove lacuna in regard to the law which can impose reasonable restrictions on the right to form or be a member of a political party in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, and prevent High Courts from making orders on actions taken in relation to persons who are or have been at any time subject to any law relating to … the Armed Forces. …

Later, following a motion moved by CML’s Chaudhri Zahur Elahi, the National Assembly … offered Fateha to condole the death of … Ayub Khan. The evening session … also passed the Bill to provide for the establishment of the People’s Open University.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2024