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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):The National Assembly on Tuesday initiated debate over the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, with treasury benches describing it as a historic step toward strengthening the constitutional framework, enhancing judicial transparency, and ensuring inclusive representation across all federating units.
Opposition members, however, rejected the amendment, arguing it could undermine judicial independence.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Gohar Ali Khan said the proposed changes would harm the judiciary and rejected the bill outright.
Participating in the debate, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Central Spokesperson Shazia Atta Marri said the government had formally consulted the PPP before presenting the amendment.
She said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by his team, met PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari to brief them on the draft, which Bilawal later shared publicly on social media on November 3 as an example of transparency.
Shazia Marri said that all parliamentary procedures must be followed, with the Law and Justice Committees of both Houses reviewing the draft once officially tabled, allowing open debate and contributions from all members.
Shahida Akhtar Ali rejected the amendment, saying it contained no substantive measures for the people, while reaffirming her party’s high regard for the Pakistan Armed Forces.
She recalled that during discussions on the 26th Amendment, JUI-F raised constructive concerns on the Council of Islamic Ideology’s recommendations, elimination of interest (riba), and madrassa registration reforms, many of which were accepted.
PTI lawmaker Umair Khan Niazi criticized the amendment for failing to address pressing public issues, including poor school infrastructure, and called for broader consultation and agreement.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said the 18th Amendment remains incomplete without devolving powers and resources to the grassroots level.
He said that while provinces receive their NFC Award shares, benefits rarely reach the district level.
Mustafa Kamal noted that Article 140-A, concerning local government powers, could not be included in the 27th Amendment due to lack of consensus but hoped it would form part of the 28th Amendment.
Sardar Latif Khosa said the 1973 Constitution was one of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s greatest achievements, and the 18th Amendment restored its original spirit.
He cautioned that weakening the judiciary would be a grave misfortune and stressed that Parliament represents the will of the people.
Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kiani condemned a terrorist attack outside the Islamabad District Courts in Sector G-11 that killed dozen people and injured several others.
He said the 27th Amendment aims to strengthen national defense and governance, adding that the proposed establishment of Constitutional Courts stems from the Charter of Democracy and earlier reforms, designed to ensure timely resolution of constitutional cases.
Kiani highlighted that constitutional cases consumed nearly 50% of the Supreme Court’s time last year despite comprising only 15% of its docket, emphasizing the need for systemic reform.
He urged the opposition to end its boycott of parliamentary committees and contribute constructively to national policymaking and the fight against terrorism.