Federal Cabinet gives nod to 27th Constitutional Amendment

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the federal cabinet meeting via video link from Baku, Azerbaijan, where the 27th Constitutional Amendment was approved.

According to sources, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarrar briefed the cabinet on the amendment, and the proposals submitted by the Pakistan People’s Party were reviewed during the meeting.

Key Highlights of the 27th Amendment

Introduction of the position of Commander of Defence Forces, which, according to reports, will remain with the Chief of Army Staff. Establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court. Provisions for a joint seniority list of High Court judges.

Empowering the Supreme Judicial Commission to transfer judges between High Courts or their regional benches without the consent of the individual judges.

The amendment bill is expected to be presented in the Senate today as part of a supplementary agenda. Sources indicate it may be referred to the Senate’s Law and Justice Committee for further scrutiny.

The Senate session may continue on Sunday, during which detailed discussions on the constitutional amendment are expected.

Approval from the Senate is likely on Monday. Sources have also suggested that opposition parties may stage protests when the bill is presented.

The cabinet session was attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Musadik Malik, Rana Sanaullah, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Aun Chaudhry, Shazra Mansab, and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh. Law Minister and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan were also present.