Raza Hayat Harraj supports 27th constitutional Amendment

Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj defended the 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying it was necessary and should have been introduced earlier.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Harraj emphasized that Parliament holds the ultimate authority to amend the Constitution, and no court can overturn its decisions.
“The 27th Amendment clarifies existing provisions in the Constitution. This House is supreme, and the power to alter the Constitution rests solely with it,” he said.
He added that Parliament, with a two-thirds majority, holds ultimate authority over constitutional changes.
Explaining the amendments related to judicial appointments, he said Article 200 now allows the President to transfer High Court judges more clearly and efficiently, based on recommendations from the Federal Judicial Commission.
Article 239, granting the judiciary the power of judicial review, has also been aligned to reaffirm Parliament’s supremacy.
Harraj warned that any court striking down a constitutional amendment would amount to disrespecting Parliament.
On the creation of the National Strategic Office, he said Pakistan is now recognized as one of the most responsible nations among 11 countries globally.
Praising the armed forces, Harraj said the Army Chief played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory in the May 10, 2025, conflict. He lauded the contributions of all three military branches and described the Air Chief as an exceptionally capable officer. He added that Pakistan’s international standing, which had suffered in the past, was restored after the May operations.
Changaze Ahmad Khan warned that the amendment could weaken the 1973 Constitution and create a “new constitutional structure” that undermines both institutions and the people.
Shehryar Afridi stressed that the Constitution represents a social contract between the state and its citizens. Highlighting Pakistan’s geo-strategic challenges, he said the public had endured significant hardship.
“Our armed forces have bravely fought terrorism; the nation must stay united,” he said, urging restraint in making constitutional changes. He also accused the PPP and other parties of abandoning earlier commitments to civilian supremacy and the Charter of Democracy.
Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Mian Khan Bugti said the 27th Amendment was not aimed at any individual but served the nation’s collective interest.
He added that terrorist groups operating in Balochistan were acting as agents of Afghanistan and India and rejected dialogue. “We must not politicize national defense and border protection,” he asserted, urging opposition support.
Usama Ahmad Mehla expressed concern that the amendment could weaken the judiciary.
He called on the ruling coalition to implement the Charter of Democracy fully, not limit it to creating a constitutional court, and said his party would support the amendment if it restored the Charter’s original spirit in the Constitution.
Shahlah Raza spoke in favor of the amendment, citing Pakistan’s internal and external threats.
She stressed the importance of strengthening the federal structure and defense institutions, criticizing the opposition for failing to raise concerns in parliamentary committees. “Reforms in the judiciary are essential to ensure speedy justice,” she said, explaining that the proposed process for judicial transfers aimed at greater transparency.
She clarified that immunity for the Supreme Commander is tied to the office, not any individual, and should not be politicized. Taking a dig at critics, she added, “Those whose political careers began as polling agents for a dictator are now giving us lectures on democracy.”
Shamaila Rana said the amendment strengthens the country’s defense and economy.
She said that the government had offered dialogue to the opposition, which was refused. She added that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces and that Pakistan’s international image improved after the war with India.
Naz Baloch of the PPP highlighted the party’s efforts to strengthen Parliament, democracy, and its institutions, noting that President Asif Ali Zardari returned all powers to Parliament.
She criticized the PTI for not offering any suggestions on the 27th Amendment.
Khawaja Shiraz Mehmood said his party’s seats in the House had been reduced to facilitate constitutional changes, including judicial transfers. “We have not learned from the past; what we are doing now, we will face the consequences of tomorrow,” he warned.
He added that suggestions for addressing underdevelopment in deprived areas should be brought forward for discussion.
Khawaja Noor ul Hassan said constitutional courts exist worldwide and noted ongoing cases, including one concerning fake recruitments against a retired Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court.
He said that proposed changes in Article 140A to strengthen internal defense were not included in the 27th Amendment draft, and while some were relieved, the House should take credit for this decision.
He added that all parties except MQM have signed the Charter of Democracy, but some provisions, such as holding local body elections within three months of general elections, remain unimplemented.
Iqbal Afradi reiterated his party’s commitment to strengthening Parliament and democracy.
Asad Alam Nizai alleged that the opposition was acting against the country’s interest and also refused dialogue despite repeated government offers.