The standing committees on law and justice from both the Senate of Pakistan and the National Assembly of Pakistan convened in a joint session to review the proposed constitutional reform known as the 27th Amendment. Chaired by Senator Farooq H. Naek and MNA Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, the meeting aimed at negotiating key clauses, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), changes in the appointment process for high-court judges, expanding provincial cabinet caps, and revisions to military leadership structures.
The draft bill, recently tabled in the Senate after cabinet approval, has ignited sharp debate. Approximately 80 % of its provisions have been reviewed, though discussions on changes to Article 243—governing command of the armed forces—were postponed. Opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema‑e‑Islam (F) (JUI-F), have expressed concern, accusing the government of pushing through wide-ranging reforms without full consensus, warning that the amendment might weaken provincial autonomy and judicial independence.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed that deliberations will persist until a broad agreement is reached, emphasising that decisions will follow the majority opinion. The committees are targeting a final draft ahead of full parliamentary debate, signalling a very active phase in Pakistan’s constitutional reform process.
