The National Assembly (NA) resumed its session on Wednesday to continue debate on the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which is expected to be approved by the lower house. The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, discussed the bill before Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar’s expected move for its approval.
During the session, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nafisa Shah emphasized that her party’s stance on the 26th and 27th Amendments must be understood in light of omitted clauses concerning the federal structure and distribution of resources. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reiterated his offer to mediate dialogue between the government and opposition, highlighting that cooperation is essential for democratic progress.
The 27th Amendment, which was passed in the Senate earlier this week with a two-thirds majority, requires the same level of support in the 336-member National Assembly before it can receive presidential assent. The ruling coalition — including PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, IPP, and other allied parties — holds a majority of seats, while the opposition, led by PTI, continues to protest against the bill.
The amendment proposes far-reaching constitutional reforms, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), judicial restructuring, and lifetime immunity for the president and field marshal. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denounced the bill as undemocratic, accusing the government of attempting to shield the powerful and undermine the constitution.
