ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that the government may introduce a 28th Constitutional Amendment focused on “public issues” if political parties agree on its scope and direction.
In this regard, Sanaullah explained that the potential amendment would address matters related to local governance, population management, the National Finance Commission (NFC) and public health.
He said a review was needed to ensure that both federal and provincial systems meet the “present needs of the people”.
“This is being debated, and if there is consensus, then we can bring the 28th Amendment forward,” the PML-N leader stated.
Furthermore, his statements come days after President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment into law.
The amendment, which started the political debate, introduced major structural changes, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and adjustments to military leadership procedures.
In addition, Rana Sanaullah mentioned the recent resignations from the Supreme Court and Lahore High Court, Sanaullah said those who stepped down did so for “personal motives”.
He focused on the idea that parliament has the constitutional authority to enact amendments, and the judiciary is responsible for upholding the law.
The 27th Amendment bill was first tabled in the Senate on November 8, shortly after receiving approval from the federal cabinet during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via video link from Baku.
It was forwarded to the parliamentary committees on law and justice, which cleared it the next day with minor revisions. Moreover, the bill was then presented for voting in the Senate on November 10. It passed with 64 votes, while opposition members protested and staged a walkout.
The government secured the required two-thirds majority with the unexpected support of two opposition senators who broke from their party stance.
The National Assembly approved the bill on November 12 after incorporating additional amendments, mainly concerning the office of the chief justice of Pakistan. Of the 336 members, 224 votes were needed for passage.
The ruling coalition secured 234 votes, while four JUI-F lawmakers opposed the bill. PTI members boycotted the session.
