PM Shehbaz hails allied parties’ support in advancing 27th Amendment

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday praised the coalition parties for supporting the 27th constitutional amendment, describing the development as proof of political harmony and shared commitment to national goals.

Sources told Geo News earlier today that the Prime Minister hosted a dinner for government and coalition senators after a joint parliamentary committee comprising lawmakers from the Senate and National Assembly Standing Committees on Law and Justice approved the full draft of the proposed 27th Amendment.

The prime minister said all coalition parties “stand firmly behind the government’s national vision”, adding that the spirit of cooperation has strengthened the federation.

“The government and all coalition partners worked together for better governance and coordination in the provinces,” the Prime Minister said while appreciating their role in the process of approval of the amendment.

He said that every milestone achieved under the present government is the result of mutual understanding and teamwork between the ruling party and its allies.

“Our diplomatic achievements are a mirror of Pakistan’s global alliance and unity and harmony among all alliance partners,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that the country’s economic situation is gradually improving, with political stability and responsible governance presented for steering Pakistan in the right direction.

“With the grace and grace of Allah, political and economic stability has put the nation on the right path,” he said, stressing that collective efforts are the key to ensuring prosperity.

He also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and the leaders of all coalition parties for their valuable support and cooperation in strengthening democracy and national harmony.

The Joint Committee held its key session today chaired by Senator Farooq H. Naak and MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Vark and approved the 49 proposed amendments clause by clause.

However, opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-Fazal (Joi-F), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Omi Party (PKMAP), and Ajlis Wahadatul Hamliman (MWM) boycotted their members.

Sources confirmed that the draft of the 27th constitutional amendment, which has already been approved by the cabinet, will be tabled in the Senate tomorrow (Monday).

Sources said that the opportunities suggested by the coalition parties will be reconsidered in a meeting tomorrow.

The passage of the amendments also included the adaptation of Article 243, which is an important step to advance constitutional opportunities.

Currently, Article 243 of the Constitution vests the President of Pakistan with the supreme command of the armed forces, while stipulating that their control and command shall remain with the federal government.

The federal government in the Senate, a day earlier, introduced a 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill – which proposed major changes to the country’s judicial system as well as the military command structure – in the Senate.

The amendment proposes a change in Article 243, which seeks to abolish the post of “Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee” (CJCSC) and introduce a new title “Chief of Defense Forces”.

Other proposals include the establishment of a federal constitutional court and a review of the appointment process for high court judges.

The proposed amendment aims to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court, some authorities are transferred to the proposed Constitutional Court, and the President is granted immunity from criminal proceedings for life.

After the meeting ended, Senator Naik confirmed that the committee had approved the basic draft of the constitutional amendment, adding that the Law Minister had been empowered by members to make some adjustments.

However, the federal government has requested additional time to review proposals related to renaming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and increasing provincial assembly seats in Balochistan.

“Both proposals will be given further consideration, and final decisions are expected tomorrow,” he added. Consultation is a pre-requisite step, which needs to be taken before the draft of the 27th Amendment is finally tabled in Parliament for approval.

Salient Features of 27th Constitutional Amendment

• A new position, Chief of Defense Forces, will be created as the Chief of the Armed Forces effective 27 November 2025.
• Chief of Army Staff to act as Chief of Defense Forces
• Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, Admiral of the Fleet titles for life
• The Prime Minister will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command from the Pakistan Army on the recommendation of the Chief of Defense Forces.
• A federal constitutional court will be established
• Proposed equal provincial representation in the Federal Constitutional Court
• President and Prime Minister playing key role in judicial appointments
• Parliament to decide the number of judges in the Federal Constitutional Court
• The powers of the Supreme Court were to be reduced, some authorities were transferred to the new court
• The term of the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court will be limited to three years
• Presidential immunity from criminal proceedings for life