Senate passes 27th Constitutional Amendment bill amid opposition walkout

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Senate on Monday passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill after 64 lawmakers voted in its favour.

The bill was approved by the upper house which aims to overhaul the military and judicial structures, amid the opposition's protest, who tore the document’s copies.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the 59-clause Bill, which secured the required two-thirds majority with 64 votes in the 96-member House. The Bill will now move to the National Assembly for approval. No votes were cast against it, as the opposition chose to boycott the session.

Apart from the treasury members, the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Saifullah Abro and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's (JUI-F) Ahmed Khan were among the senators who voted in favour of the amendment. Interestingly, Abro did not partake in the protest as well.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, presiding over the session, read the amended clauses one by one for voting, while opposition members protested the controversial bill and staged a walkout. Meanwhile, Humayun Mohmand and a few PTI senators remained in the chamber, continuing to chant slogans against the government and its coalition partners.

Earlier, the joint standing committees on law and justice of the Senate and National Assembly presented the report on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment in the Senate. Senator Farooq H. Naek submitted the report after the afternoon session resumed.

Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani said the issue was not personal but national, questioning why PTI had not conducted intra-party elections. He criticised the party for lacking patience and referenced past actions, including the release of 4,000 terrorists from prisons and previous political decisions by PTI’s founder.

Senator Fauzia Arshad stated the opposition leader was absent from the Senate, highlighting that the 27th Amendment undermines institutions and is personal in nature.

PPP Senator Punjomal Bhil emphasized the sacrifices made by his party for the country and constitution, criticized PTI’s founder for agreements with the Taliban, and praised Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership to solve national issues.

Before the Senate session, members were invited for breakfast, with Senator Dinesh Kumar listing the menu items including eggs, parathas, halwa, and croissants. He added that loyalty is shown to those who have supported them.

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Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated there is no deadlock; the government has sufficient numbers in the Senate, and voting will begin once all voters are present.

JUI announced it will not support the 27th Amendment. Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed objections, stating the government did not allow them to review the amendment, and vowed to oppose it alongside Senator Ali Zafar. They criticized the process as bypassing parliamentary input and warned of negative consequences for Pakistan if the amendment passes.

Senator Faisal Vawda praised the Prime Minister for advancing democracy through the amendment, saying it strengthens national defense. Similarly, Emil Wali Khan expressed confidence in the Prime Minister’s commitment to accountability. Federal Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the amendment process is complete and hoped for its Senate approval.

The joint parliamentary committee approved the full draft, including 49 clause-by-clause amendments. Key changes include detailed consultation on Article 243, approval for the establishment of constitutional courts, and extension of pending case review periods from six months to one year. If a case is not pursued within a year, it will be considered disposed of.

Sources said opposition parties, including PTI, JUI, PKMAP, and MWM, boycotted the committee meeting. Government allies’ proposed amendments, including ANP’s proposal to rename Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are still under discussion. The government assured ANP of addressing concerns and requested more time to consider increasing assembly seats in Balochistan, with a final decision expected soon.

Senator Farooq H. Naek, chair of the joint law and justice committee, stated that some amendments’ approval authority has been delegated to him and the Law Minister.