Law Minister Presents 27th Constitutional Amendment in NAB Amid Opposition Protests

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly session is underway, and Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar has presented the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill for approval. The session is chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. During the proceedings, opposition members protested strongly against the bill.

Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the 27th Constitutional Amendment had already been passed in the Senate with a two-thirds majority. He criticized the opposition for not participating in the joint parliamentary committee.

Explaining the bill, the law minister said that it removes the power of suo motu actions, which, according to him, had previously disrupted the country’s economic system. He said a proper procedure has now been established for constitutional matters, including judicial transfers.

Previously, under Article 200, the President could propose transfers of judges from one High Court to another based on the Chief Justice’s recommendation and the Prime Minister’s proposal. The new amendment establishes a Judicial Commission, consisting of five Supreme Court judges along with two members each from the government and opposition, to decide on judge transfers. If a judge refuses the commission’s transfer order, they will be considered retired.

Tarar also clarified that the current Chief Justice will head the Constitutional Commission and other institutions if the amendment passes. The commission will determine the duration of any transfers and oversee appointments in provincial matters. He said the Supreme Court will continue to handle over 62,000 cases, including civil cases, while constitutional matters will be dealt with by the newly established Constitutional Court.

Read more: Senate Approves 27th Constitutional Amendment with Two-Thirds Majority

The law minister also highlighted the historical context of the Field Marshal rank, stating that after the war with India, it was necessary to bring this rank within constitutional limits. He emphasized that appointments in the armed forces follow rank regulations and that the Field Marshal rank is honorary for life.

Regarding the President, Tarar said that immunity proposals are included in the amendment, and if a President returns to public office, their immunity will end. He urged the opposition to allow discussion and then vote on the amendment.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed in the Senate yesterday with 64 votes in favor and no votes against. Opposition parties had boycotted the vote in the Senate, though PTI Senator Saifullah Abro and JUI Senator Ahmed Khan supported the amendment.