By Iftikhar Mashwani
ISLAMABAD : The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by the Senate of Pakistan on Monday, which aims to overhaul the military and judicial structures, amid the opposition’s walkout and protest — tearing their copies.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the 59-clause Bill, which received the required 64 votes (two-thirds majority in the 96-member House). It will now be presented in the National Assembly for voting. No member voted against it — as the opposition opted to boycott.
Apart from the treasury members, the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Saifullah Abro and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Ahmed Khan were among the senators who voted in favour of the amendment.
Interestingly, Abro did not partake in the protest as well and later, during his speech, also announced his resignation as a senator.
Highlights of new amendment
Chief of Army Staff to assume role as Chief of Defence Forces
Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, Admiral of Fleet titles to remain for life
Federal Constitutional Court to be established
Equal provincial representation approved in Federal Constitutional Court
FCC empowered to take suo motu notice upon petitions
Islamabad High Court to have one judge on FCC bench
President and prime minister to play a key role in judicial appointments
Supreme Court powers to be reduced, with some authorities shifted to the new court
Presidential immunity limited if president assumes any public office after tenure
Judges must serve five years in high court for eligibility of Constitutional Court
Judicial Commission to decide transfer of high court judges
Objections on transfers to be reviewed by Supreme Judicial Council
