Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a proposed constitutional amendment that sought to grant immunity to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister made this announcement via a post on social media platform X, emphasising that an elected leader must remain fully accountable to both the courts and the public.
PM Shehbaz clarified the situation upon his return from an official visit. “On my return from Azerbaijan, I have learnt that some Senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the Prime Minister,” he stated in his post.
He acknowledged the senators’ intent in good faith but was quick to assert his position. “While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft,” he wrote. “I have instructed that it be withdrawn immediately.”
On my return from Azerbaijan, I have learnt that some Senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the Prime Minister.
While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft. I have…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 9, 2025While rejecting immunity for the PM, the government is simultaneously considering a separate proposal. According to media reports, a suggestion to grant the President a lifetime exemption from criminal proceedings is currently under review.
This proposed change would involve amending Article 248 of the Constitution. Historically, this article provided the President with broad immunity from all criminal proceedings.
Read: Pakistan’s 27th Amendment Grants Presidents Lifetime Legal Immunity
The federal cabinet recently held a session chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif via video link from Baku. During this meeting, the Attorney General of Pakistan briefed the cabinet on the comprehensive amendment package.
The session also reviewed recommendations from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key coalition partner. Following these discussions, the federal cabinet formally approved the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
