The Pakistani government has formally presented the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in the Senate. This proposes sweeping reforms to the judiciary and military command structure. The bill was immediately referred to a standing committee for detailed review.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill. He stated it would amend approximately 40 constitutional clauses. He emphasised that the bill would first be reviewed by a committee. No vote would be held at this initial stage.
27th Constitutional Amendment Judicial Reforms
A central proposal is the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court. Minister Tarar explained that this aims to handle complex constitutional cases. These cases currently consume a significant portion of the Supreme Court’s time.
The amendment also addresses judicial transfers, proposing that this power be entrusted to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. The commission would make decisions after consulting the judges concerned.
27th Constitutional Amendment Overhaul of Military Command
The bill proposes a significant restructuring of the military hierarchy. The position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee would be abolished.
A new role, “Chief of Defence Forces” (CDF), would be created. The Army Chief would also serve as the CDF. This move, officials state, is inspired by lessons from recent regional tensions.
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The amendment also formalises the rank of Field Marshal as a lifetime ceremonial honour. The power to reverse the title rests with Parliament.
The federal cabinet, chaired virtually by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has already approved the draft. The government has consulted with its coalition partners. Proposals from parties such as the MQM-P and ANP will be reviewed by the committee.
The bill now moves to the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice for clause-by-clause scrutiny. This process will incorporate feedback from all political stakeholders.
