Govt likely to pass 27th Constitutional Amendment today as political bigwigs attend NA session
Pakistan
The government is expected to pass the 27th Amendment today as top leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, PM Shehbaz, and Bilawal Bhutto, attend the National Assembly session to vote for its approval
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The government is likely to pass the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill today (Wednesday) as political bigwigs including PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are attending the National Assembly session to cast their votes for the legislation.
The bill was tabled yesterday by Law Minister Azam Tarar.
The government requires 224 votes for the passage of amendment and currently enjoys the support of 237 members.
According to sources, the government is eager to establish the Federal Constitutional Court as soon as possible. Once the president signs the amendment, practical steps toward setting up the court can begin immediately.
Sources indicate that if the bill is passed today, the judges of the Federal Constitutional Court could be administered their oaths tomorrow (Thursday), marking the court’s formal establishment.
Under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the president will appoint judges of the Federal Constitutional Court on the prime minister’s advice. The Senate approved the bill on Monday.
Meanwhile, the opposition has also introduced its own constitutional amendments, which it plans to present as a separate bill.
PTI announces boycott of 27th Constitutional Amendment process in NA
It has already submitted these amendments to the National Assembly Secretariat, but the government has decided to reject them by a two-thirds majority and remains confident about the smooth passage of its own amendment today.
It may be recalled that the opposition protested during proceedings yesterday when Law Minister Azam Tarar tabled 27th Amendment bill. He argued that the suo motu (self-initiated) powers had become a menace in the past, and that clearly defining the limits of judicial powers would make the justice process more transparent and effective.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan argued that the amendment was against the basic structure of democracy, while JUI-F’s Shahida Akhtar Ali maintained that several provisions in the bill were included without public consultation.
The draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was approved by the Senate on Monday, was presented in the National Assembly for approval on Tuesday, sparking protests from opposition parties.
