The Federal Law Minister has drafted a series of constitutional amendments that seek to modify key aspects of Pakistan’s Constitution, focusing on governance, judicial appointments, and the powers of prominent officials.
The draft proposes several critical changes. One includes revising Clause 4 of Article 48, which ensures that the advice of the President, the Cabinet, and the Prime Minister cannot be challenged legally.
Another significant amendment targets Article 63A, relating to voting within political parties. The amendment would count votes cast by lawmakers against their party leader’s instructions.
The party leader could still act against dissenting members following such a vote. Additionally, the draft suggests modifying Article 111 to permit discussions on legal issues in provincial assemblies, including the Attorney General and legal advisors, thus broadening their role in legislative processes.
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A major reform proposed concerns appointing judges through an amendment to Article 175A. It calls for the Judicial Commission to evaluate High Court judges’ performance and introduces a new method for appointing Supreme Court judges.
The proposal envisions a judges’ appointment committee consisting of two government representatives a senator and an MNA chosen by the Prime Minister—and two opposition members nominated by the opposition leader, supplemented by additional parliamentary involvement.
Furthermore, a 12-member parliamentary committee, composed of eight members from the National Assembly and four senators, would have the authority to appoint the Chief Justice of Pakistan from the three most senior judges. The reforms also allow for in-camera sessions during the selection of the Chief Justice.
