The Senate on Thursday approved the revised text of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, a day after its passage in the National Assembly, marking a major step toward implementing sweeping judicial and constitutional reforms.
During the Senate session chaired by Yousaf Raza Gilani, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the amended bill, which was passed with 64 votes in favor and four against. The session grew tense as PTI senators protested, chanting slogans, tearing up copies of the bill, and eventually staging a walkout.
The 27th Amendment introduces key structural changes, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, reforms to judicial processes, and provisions granting lifetime immunity to the president and field marshal. The bill also clarifies that Chief Justice Yahya Afridi will retain his title until the end of his term, after which the senior-most justice from either the Supreme Court or the Constitutional Court will assume the position.
Law Minister Tarar emphasized that rumors about abolishing the office of the Chief Justice of Pakistan were “entirely false.” He clarified that the Supreme Judicial Council and Judicial Commission will continue to function under the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s leadership.
Opposition parties, including PTI, denounced the bill as an undemocratic attempt to concentrate power in the hands of the ruling coalition. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan called the amendment “a betrayal of public trust,” warning that it undermines the Constitution’s spirit. Despite fierce resistance, the government secured a comfortable two-thirds majority in both Houses to pass the historic legislation.
