27th Constitutional Amendment Passed in NA with Two-Thirds Majority

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly on Wednesday passed the momentous 27th Amendment bill with a two-thirds majority as the opposition staged a walkout.

The proceedings were marked by intense political theatre, punctuated by the presence of prominent national leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

The bill, tabled by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, necessitated approval from the 336-member house by a two-thirds majority, a hurdle the ruling PML-N-led coalition appears poised to clear, given its considerable numerical strength of 125 (PML-N), 74 (PPP), and other allied seats, totaling a dominant position against the opposition’s 103 seats

This latest development follows the coalition’s successful maneuvering of the bill through the Senate earlier amid robust opposition.

Read More: CM KP Says, 27th Amendment to destroy democracy

As Minister Tarar initiated his remarks, opposition members converged on the Speaker’s dais in a display of staunch dissent..

27th Constitutional Amendment Clause-by-Clause Detail

According to details, clauses 1 to 3 were passed with 231 votes in favour and 4 against, while clauses 4 to 9 and 10 to 12 received 233 votes in favour and 4 against. Clauses up to 25 were approved by an overwhelming majority as the voting process progressed smoothly.

Key Constitutional Changes

The amendment to Article 93, granting the Prime Minister the authority to appoint up to seven advisers, was passed with a two-thirds majority.

Similarly, Article 100 was amended to replace the word “Supreme” with “Federal Constitutional Court,” marking a major institutional change.

Amendments to Articles 114 and 130 were also passed, adding the mention of the Federal Constitutional Court and allowing provincial chief ministers to increase the number of their advisers.

Abolition of Article 184 – Suo Motu Powers Shifted

One of the most significant steps in the amendment was the approval to abolish Article 184, effectively removing the Supreme Court’s suo motu powers.

The powers of suo motu action have now been transferred to the newly proposed Federal Constitutional Court.

The National Assembly also approved the deletion of Articles 186, 191A, and 193(3) from the Constitution with a two-thirds majority.

Remaining Clauses Also Approved

Clauses 26 to 59, covering various legal and procedural adjustments, were all passed with a two-thirds majority. Each clause was approved during the session chaired in Islamabad as part of the ongoing constitutional reforms process.