ISLAMABAD: The Senate passed the contentious 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority, as opposition lawmakers staged a loud protest and later walked out of the session.
The bill, which had created political controversy for weeks, was approved with 64 votes in favour after two opposition members crossed the floor to support the government.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the legislation before the Upper House, with Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani presiding over the proceedings.
In this regard, the clause-by-clause vote was first held, followed by a division vote, during which the Senate doors were sealed in line with parliamentary procedure.
The opposition benches erupted in protest during the voting process, with lawmakers tearing copies of the bill and chanting slogans against the government.
Most opposition senators then exited the chamber, allowing the bill to pass without further interruption.
Furthermore, following its passage in the Senate, the bill will move to the National Assembly (NA) for approval.
The NA session was adjourned on Monday and will reconvene on Tuesday morning. The ruling coalition holds a two-thirds majority in the 336-member NA, ensuring smooth passage there as well.
Moreover, the amendment proposes the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to adjudicate constitutional matters and clarify the limits of judicial authority. Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice Chairman Farooq H.
Naek presented the committee’s report earlier in the day, outlining revisions to the bill, including equal provincial representation in the FCC and eligibility criteria for judges with at least five years of experience in the high courts.
In addition, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hailed the legislation as a “historic bill,” describing it as part of the “unfinished agenda” of the 2006 Charter of Democracy.
He added that the amendment would institutionalize the rank of field marshal within the armed forces and ensure that seniority among Supreme Court judges remains unaffected.
Meanwhile, the opposition, led by PTI, has vowed to resist the amendment in the National Assembly, criticising provisions they say grant excessive powers and immunity to certain offices.
