The government has decided to introduce additional changes to the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill before its final approval, with the inclusion of new clauses and wording adjustments aimed at clarifying the structure of the judiciary.
Sources confirmed on Wednesday that sub-clause 2A and Article 175A of the Constitution will be amended to incorporate the term “Constitutional Court”, while the words “Federal Constitutional Court” will be written alongside the existing Supreme Court and High Court references.
The clauses of the 27th Amendment draft are expected to increase from 59 to 62, as the government considers adding three new amendments to the current version.
Amendments to Article 6
Sources revealed that Article 6, sub-clause 2A, which prevents the act of high treason from being granted judicial legitimacy, will also be modified to ensure alignment with the establishment of the proposed Constitutional Court.
Also Read: NA to consider 27th amendment tomorrow
The inclusion of the term “Constitutional Court” is intended to formalize the creation of a new judicial tier envisioned under the 27th Amendment, designed to adjudicate constitutional matters and ensure judicial independence while maintaining coordination with the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s title likely to remain unchanged
In response to concerns raised by the higher judiciary, the government is also considering retaining the full title “Supreme Court of Pakistan” and keeping the word “Pakistan” in the official designation of the chief justice of Pakistan.
Earlier drafts of the amendment had removed the word “Pakistan” from both the Supreme Court and the chief justice’s title, leading to apprehensions from within the judiciary, which emphasized the need to preserve the Supreme Court’s status as the nation’s highest judicial authority.
According to sources, the government’s decision to revisit these provisions came after direct feedback from the Supreme Court, which expressed its preference for maintaining existing nomenclature while accommodating the proposed Federal Constitutional Court.
Also Read: Fazl urges JUI-F MNAs to vote against 27th amendment
Officials familiar with the matter said the revised version of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill will soon be presented to the National Assembly for approval. The amendment, once finalised, will mark a major constitutional development, defining new judicial frameworks while safeguarding the Supreme Court’s role.
PPP meeting on 27th Amendment
Meanwhile, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary party held a meeting under the chairmanship of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, ahead of the crucial vote on the 27th Constitutional Amendment in the National Assembly.
Bilawal led the meeting and issued clear instructions to all PPP members to vote in favour of the amendment. He also directed members to remain in parliament throughout the session and strictly adhere to party discipline during proceedings.
“The PPP supports the 27th Constitutional Amendment,” Bilawal Bhutto affirmed while addressing the members, emphasizing the party’s unity and commitment to constitutional reform.
'PPP is always criticised,' says Bilawal
During the media interaction following the meeting, Bilawal was asked whether the amendment was being introduced “to honour a man.” He responded briefly, saying, “I will talk about this in my speech.”
When another journalist pointed out that the PPP was facing intense criticism over its stance on the amendment, Bilawal replied calmly, “The Pakistan People’s Party is always criticised.”
The parliamentary meeting concluded shortly afterward, with Bilawal leaving for the Presidency for further consultations.
Also Read: 27th Amendment: Details of all changes approved in bill
Party sources confirmed that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari left for the Presidency to hold consultations with President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the proposed changes to the 27th Amendment. Responding to a journalist’s question as he departed, Bilawal said, “Yes, I am going to the Presidency.”
According to insiders, the government is considering adding three new amendments to the current draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill. The number of clauses is likely to increase from 59 to 62, as discussions continue between coalition partners and the presidency.
PPP members instructed to attend NA session
Sources within the PPP said that party leadership has instructed all lawmakers to ensure their presence at the National Assembly session. The voting process is expected to take place after final consultations at the Presidency.
“The leadership has made it clear that all members must participate and follow the party’s parliamentary line,” a source said, adding that Bilawal Bhutto will join the assembly session after completing his meeting with the president.
