ISLAMABAD; The Senate on Monday passed the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority as 64 members voted in its favour, while opposition lawmakers staged a noisy walkout. The government managed to secure the required votes after two opposition senators defected.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill amid loud protests from opposition benches. Copies of the bill were torn and thrown toward the minister’s desk as opposition members chanted slogans before walking out, allowing the ruling coalition to pass the legislation smoothly.
The amendment, which has sparked heated debate across the country, proposes the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and grants lifetime status to the field marshal rank. It also introduces judicial reforms including reducing the minimum experience for FCC judges from seven to five years, ensuring equal representation of all provinces, and modifying procedures for judge transfers through the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).
During the debate, PML-N and PPP senators defended the amendment, claiming it would strengthen the judiciary and the federation, while opposition members denounced it as a direct attack on the independence of the Supreme Court.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier directed the withdrawal of a clause granting immunity to the premier from criminal proceedings, saying an elected leader must remain fully accountable before the law.
Following Senate approval, the bill now moves to the National Assembly, where the ruling coalition holds a two-thirds majority and is expected to pass it without difficulty.
