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• Controversial bill likely to sail through today as coalition holds required two-thirds majority
• PTI slams bid to ‘create another elite class’
• MQM seeks revival of its LG-related proposals in 28th Amendment
• PPP insists it won’t compromise on 18th Amendment
ISLAMABAD: The controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was tabled in the National Assembly on Tuesday, triggering a formal debate that allowed treasury members to defend its merits and the opposition to highlight its flaws.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar introduced the bill, which is expected to be passed by the lower house of parliament on Wednesday (today), as the ruling coalition holds the required two-thirds majority.
Recalling the 26th Amendment debate, the minister said that at that time, “two main political parties, after much discussion, made a few adjustments in the promises made under the Charter of Democracy”. He said coalition partners had been consulted and agreed on the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). He said the features related to the FCC in the amendment were based on the Charter of Democracy.
Referring to Article 243, which deals with the command of the armed forces, the law minister said the government decided, after consultations, to bestow the rank of Field Marshal upon Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in light of his achievements during the May conflict with India.
He added that under the proposed changes, no individual will have the power to deprive a national hero of the title of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet. These titles will be for life, but if valid grounds arise for their withdrawal, parliament will decide after deliberation, he said.
On the issue of lifetime presidential immunity from criminal proceedings, Mr Tarar said a clause had been added to exclude periods when a former president holds public office.
He also stated that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi would continue to head the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) under the new amendment, based on his seniority. The CJP would also remain head of any other bodies he currently leads.
The law minister said the proposed five-member JCP panel would include the most senior judges of the Supreme Court and the FCC. The two chief justices would jointly decide the fifth member. If they failed to agree, the matter would be referred to the full commission.
‘Another elite class’
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq opened the formal debate by allowing PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan to speak. He accused the government of trying to “create another elite class,” referring to the proposed lifetime presidential immunity. He warned that “with the passing of this amendment, democracy here will only exist in name,” adding that his party “will not accept” it.
The bill requires a two-thirds majority in the 336-member house. The ruling coalition commands this number, with the PML-N holding 125 seats, PPP 74, MQM-P 22, PML-Q five, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party four, and the PML-Z, Balochistan Awami Party and National Peoples Party one seat each. The opposition has 103 seats.
The session began with prayers for PML-N lawmaker Irfan Siddiqui, who passed away on Monday night.
Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal of the MQM referred to Article 140-A, which relates to local governments, and said his party’s proposed amendments to the article “are not dead yet” and would be discussed as part of the 28th Amendment.
PPP leader Shazia Marri said President Asif Ali Zardari did not seek immunity as he had already endured eight years of imprisonment without conviction. She asserted that the PPP would never compromise on the 18th Amendment or the rights of the people.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif endorsed the MQM’s call for strengthening local governments to address people’s issues at the grassroots level. He noted that local government systems in Pakistan were introduced not by civilian governments but by three military dictators.
He also claimed that Pakistan’s education curriculum had been prepared by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the Afghan war, resulting in “different histories and geographies being taught across the country”.
Ijazul Haq, son of former military ruler Gen Ziaul Haq, asked the minister to present before the house the curriculum allegedly prepared by the CIA.
‘Playing’ with Constitution
PTI’s Sardar Latif Khosa accused the PPP of “playing naughtily” with the Constitution at the behest of the ruling PML-N.
PTI leader Amir Dogar said the 27th Amendment would paralyse the judiciary, adding that none of its clauses served the public interest. PTI lawmaker, Ali Muhammad Khan, said the amendment violated the 1949 Objectives Resolution.
PML-N’s Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry said the FCC was being established to prevent extra-judicial decisions and reduce the Supreme Court’s workload.
PPP’s Sharmila Faruqi said the opposition should be “thankful” to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for initiating a public debate on the amendment through his post on X. She also said India was attempting to provoke another war, but Pakistan’s armed forces were ready to respond strongly.
Others who took part in the debate included Iqbal Afridi, Shahid Ahmed, Sehar Kamran, Qaisar Sheikh, Sher Afzal Marwat, Syed Hafeezuddin, Ali Qasim Gilani, and Bilal Kiani.
Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025
