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ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): The Senate on Sunday witnessed heated debates over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, with the treasury benches hailing it as a historic step toward strengthening the constitutional framework, enhancing judicial transparency, and ensuring inclusive representation across all federating units. However, opposition members outrightly rejected the proposed amendment, arguing that it would undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Taking part in the debate, senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that the struggle for judicial independence in Pakistan had always been led by political workers and democratic forces rather than the judiciary itself.
He appreciated the amendment bill, saying that judicial independence must not translate into unaccountable authority.
He recalled how political workers had struggled for judicial freedom, which should now serve the people instead of power groups.
He said opposition members who boycotted the committee’s deliberations missed the opportunity to contribute their recommendations at the proper forum.
Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stressed that parliamentarians should pursue constructive engagement to prevent any institution from exceeding its constitutional mandate.
He urged chairpersons of the committees to actively convene meetings to ensure accountability of ministries.
While taking part in the debate, Senator Talha Mahmood of PPP termed the amendment as a timely reform to strengthen the state structure amid internal and external challenges.
He lauded the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court to reduce case backlogs and maintain a balance between federal and provincial jurisdictions.
Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan of PML-N criticized opposition parties for politicizing the debate, urging them to participate in committees rather than boycotting legislative work.
He said the amendments were meant to restore the powers of parliament that had been eroded over time and to ensure transparent judicial appointments.
Afnan Ullah Khan also lamented Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkwa for his irresponsible and inappropriate statement against armed forces that are rendering supreme sacrifices to defend the motherland.
Senator Sarmad Ali Khan of PPP said that the idea of a Federal Constitutional Court was not new but part of the Charter of Democracy and the PPP manifesto since 2008.
He said the amendment would not weaken the judiciary but reinforce parliamentary oversight, adding that “parliament is being strengthened, not the courts weakened.”
Senator Danish Kumar emphasized the inclusion of minorities in decision-making.
He proposed that every federal and provincial cabinet include at least one minority member, highlighting that Pakistan’s identity is rooted in tolerance and Sufi traditions.
The debate reflected a broad parliamentary consensus that the proposed reforms aim to institutionalize accountability, reinforce democratic governance, and restore the spirit of cooperative federalism envisioned by the 1973 Constitution.
Responding to points raised by Mohsin Aziz and Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur. leader of the House in Senate, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar clarified the historical background of the reforms.
He said the concept of a Federal Constitutional Court was first conceived between 2002 and 2006 during consultations between Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, later formalized in the Charter of Democracy (CoD) signed in London on May 13, 2006.
He said that the idea was endorsed by all major political leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Asfandyar Wali Khan, and Imran Khan, during subsequent follow-up meetings. “This is a shared national vision—common ownership of all political forces,” he said.
Other members Syed Ali Zafar, Faisal Javed, Mohsin Aziz, Noorul Haq Qadri also spoke on the occasion and opposed the constitutional amendment. Later the House was adjourned the meet again on Monday at 11:00 am.