Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment draft bill

Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment — What the new constitutional move means

In Islamabad, a joint parliamentary committee has approved the draft of Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, taking a major step toward presenting it before the Senate. The Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment after detailed discussions, multiple sittings, and days of political debate that brought government allies and opposition parties face-to-face on several constitutional issues.

The day of the meeting

The meeting was held on Sunday inside Committee Room No. 5 at Parliament House. Senator Farooq H. Naik chaired the session, while Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, and senior PPP member Naveed Qamar attended.

After going through each clause line by line, members of the committee approved the draft and agreed to send it to the Senate. For many, it marked a rare show of unity in a Parliament that has mostly been divided in recent years.

Even the JUI, which skipped the earlier meetings, decided to join this round. However, the main opposition parties — PTI, MWM, PKMAP, and Sunni Ittehad Council — stayed away, keeping their boycott intact. Despite their absence, the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment, moving the process ahead smoothly.

What the 27th Amendment covers

The amendment includes changes to Article 243, which relates to the appointment of the chiefs of Pakistan’s armed forces. It also adds a new clause to Article 248, giving the President of Pakistan lifetime immunity from prosecution, even in past cases.

This specific clause sparked debate. Critics said it might protect individuals instead of strengthening the Constitution. Supporters, however, argued that the clause ensures political stability and prevents unnecessary legal battles.

Nevertheless, the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment after reaching an internal understanding that certain powers and procedures need clearer definitions within the Constitution.

Rejected proposals

Interestingly, four amendments suggested by allied parties were turned down. MQM-P’s idea to give more power to local governments under Article 140A didn’t pass. BAP’s proposal for more provincial assembly seats, PML-Q’s demand for a uniform education system, and ANP’s suggestion to change the name of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were all rejected.

According to committee members, the rejections were based on a consensus that the main amendment should remain focused on the original purpose — refining the structure of governance and military appointments.

Even after these rejections, the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment as a step forward for national legislation.

Voices from the government

After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to the media, calling the development “a sign of progress.” He said all parties were given time to share their feedback, and most agreed that the country needed a clearer constitutional mechanism for leadership appointments.

Dar told reporters, “The Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment after broad consultation. It’s a positive step for Pakistan, and we hope the Senate debate tomorrow will be constructive.”

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar also confirmed that the committee had reviewed all points thoroughly. “We’ve heard every party. The goal is to strengthen the system, not individuals,” he said.

Opposition’s reaction

Outside the Parliament House, opposition leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar held a press conference where they strongly criticised the amendment.

Achakzai claimed the government was using holidays to push the amendment through, calling it “an attack on the Constitution.” He said, “The Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment in haste, without fair representation from the opposition. This is not consensus — it’s control.”

Khokhar also criticised the immunity clause, saying that no one in a democracy should be above the law. He reminded reporters that the 1973 Constitution was built on equality and public trust, not privilege.

What it means politically

Whenever the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment, it naturally draws national attention. Constitutional changes in Pakistan often reflect shifts in political power or efforts to rebalance institutions.

This amendment, while technical on paper, carries major political weight. It affects how military leadership is appointed, how accountability is managed, and how future power struggles might be avoided — or, according to critics, institutionalised.

Political analysts believe the approval signals a growing understanding between key institutions. At the same time, the lack of opposition participation makes the consensus incomplete.

Still, the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment with the intent of creating stability — even if questions remain about transparency.

Why the timing matters

The timing is crucial. Pakistan’s economy is struggling, and the government wants political calm before new elections. By securing an agreement on this amendment, ruling parties hope to send a message of unity and control.

For supporters, it’s proof that Parliament is finally asserting itself. For opponents, it’s a reminder that critical decisions are still being made behind closed doors.

Either way, the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment, and now the real test will be in the Senate — where every clause could face further debate and possible revisions.

Looking ahead

The Senate is expected to take up the amendment in its next session. If approved, it will be sent to the National Assembly for final passage before becoming law.

Legal experts suggest the amendment could reshape the balance of power among Pakistan’s top offices. Political observers, on the other hand, warn that too much concentration of authority could have long-term consequences.

As the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment, one thing is certain — the debate around it is far from over.

Conclusion

The 27th Constitutional Amendment is more than just another bill. It represents the ongoing struggle to define power, accountability, and democracy in Pakistan. Whether one agrees with it or not, the fact that the Parliament panel clears 27th Amendment through a unified committee shows that political dialogue, though difficult, is still possible.

For further analysis and updates on Pakistan’s legislative process, visit the Parliament of Pakistan website or check detailed insights on Bold Tech Win Sparks, where ongoing coverage of governance and constitutional reforms continues.