DPM Dar confirms tabling of 27th Constitutional Amendment

#DPM #Dar #confirms #tabling #27th #Constitutional #Amendment

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that the government intends to frame the 27th constitutional amendment only after completing consultations with coalition partners.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formally approached its key ally—Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)—for its support in introducing the amendment, which would establish a constitutional court, and make some changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

According to PPP Chairman Balwal Bhutto Zardari, the amendment also sought to amend Article 243 – which deals with the high command of the armed forces – as well as several other important constitutional adjustments.

Other proposals include the introduction of executive magistrates, provisions for transfer of judges, and removal of reservations regarding provincial shares in NFC awards.

Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Dar said the government was in the process of introducing constitutional opportunities, confirming that the 27th Amendment was “on its way”.

“We will try to present it according to the constitution,” he assured, adding that lawmakers would be able to debate and share their views before referring the matter to the relevant committee.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the amendment would not be rushed through Parliament. “It will not be that the amendment has been passed in haste – I assure that,” he said.

Referring to the PPP, Dar said the government is currently in discussions with its grand coalition partner and will also take on other coalition parties—including the Mutahida Qaumi Tehreek-e-Pakistan (MQM-P), the Awami National Party (ANP), and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

“The final document will be presented to the House,” he said.

In response to Balwal’s recent remarks, Dar said it was his right to express his opinion.

“Balwal Bhutto’s observations were not made without any basis – these points have been discussed,” he added, adding that the government and the PPP have reached an understanding and will now bring other allies on board.

Dar directed the Law Minister to host the amendment in the Senate and send it to the committee. He also suggested that the Chairman of the Senate direct the Committee to invite the Law and Justice Committee of the National Assembly to its meeting for further consultation.

Clarifying the origin of the proposed changes, Dar said: “It was asked where this constitutional amendment is coming from – this amendment is a government initiative. It is not parachuted in from anywhere.”

He added that the government would continue to consult with stakeholders and legal forums before proceeding with the amendment.

Dar said that the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition is the responsibility of the Senate Chairman, who takes the decision in his chamber, adding that the government has no objection or obstruction in this regard.

The bill is likely to be introduced on November 7

Sources told Geo News that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill will be tabled before the Senate on November 7 as the federal government eyes its passage next week.

The development comes after a meeting of the Upper House’s Business Advisory Committee today, amid ongoing political debate over the fresh adaptation.

The upcoming amendment has already sparked political debate across party lines, with several leaders calling for consensus before any constitutional changes can be brought to the floor.

Sources said that before moving the bill for approval, the standing committees of the Senate and the National Assembly will review the draft separately during their respective sessions.

“The bill is expected to be passed next week after discussion in the committees of both the houses,” he added.

‘Strengthening the Defensive Line’

Also, Senator Faisal Vawda – while speaking to Geo News at Parliament House – said that the proposed 27th constitutional amendment is expected to be passed before the end of November.

Wada said the government and concerned stakeholders are “waiting for the 27th Amendment” which it described as a “positive move” for the country.

He said there could be a possible revision of Article 243 of the Constitution, which deals with command and control of the armed forces. “The broader national interest demands that we look at ways to further strengthen our defense line,” he added.

Wada remarked that modern warfare is no longer limited to traditional battlefields. “Wars today are not fought only in air, land or sea. They extend to cyber and hybrid spaces,” he said, insisting that Pakistan’s defense posture should continue to adapt.

He dismissed speculation of any attempt to undermine the 18th Amendment. “Some people are claiming that the 18th Amendment is being rolled back. There is no such thing,” Vavda clarified.

Opposition to fresh adaptation

These proposed opportunities were opposed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which alleged that it was a move to erode the independence of the judiciary.

Salman Akram Raja, a lawyer and former ruling party secretary general, told reporters in Rawalpindi today that the details of the proposed amendments revealed by Balwal’s tweet were “extremely alarming”.

He vowed that his party would oppose the amendment and asked other parties to go against the opportunity to “change the basic structure of the constitution and the image of an independent judiciary”.

Senator Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, criticized the opposition to the proposed adaptations, saying they were being unnecessarily presented as “storms”, while they posed no threat to democracy or the political system.

Speaking on Geo News’ program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ki Seth” a day ago, he assured that the government would consult the alliance partners and bring forward the issues after consensus.

Sanaullah claimed that there is no dissent in creating a constitutional court, a proposal that is enshrined in the charter of democracy.

The minister also said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had spoken twice with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, and confirmed that “no constitutional amendment will be made without full consensus”.