Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday that the federal government would present the 27th Constitutional Amendment in accordance with the Constitution and only after consultation with coalition partners.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formally approached its key ally — the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — for its support in introducing the amendment, which would establish a Constitutional Court, and make certain changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
This tweak also sought to amend Article 243 — which pertains to the supreme command of the armed forces — as well as several other key constitutional adjustments, according to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Other proposals included the introduction of executive magistrates, provisions for the transfer of judges, and the removal of protections related to provincial shares in the NFC Award.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Dar said that the government was in the process of introducing constitutional tweaks, confirming that the 27th amendment was “on its way”.
“We will try to present it in accordance with the Constitution,” he assured, adding that legislators would be able to debate and share their opinions before the matter was referred to the relevant committee.
The deputy prime minister emphasised that the amendment would not be rushed through Parliament. “It will not happen that the amendment is passed in haste — I give this assurance,” he said.
Referring to the PPP, Dar said that the government was currently in discussion with its major coalition partner and would also take other allied parties — including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), the Awami National Party (ANP), and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) — into confidence before finalising the draft.
“The final document will be presented before the House,” he said.
Responding to recent remarks by Bilawal, Dar said it was his right to express his opinion.
“Bilawal Bhutto’s observations were not made without basis — those points have been discussed,” he added, noting that the government and PPP had reached an understanding and would now bring other allies on board.
Dar directed the law minister to table the amendment in the Senate and send it to the committee. He also suggested that the Senate chairman instruct the committee to invite the National Assembly’s law and justice committee to its session for further consultation.
Clarifying the origin of the proposed changes, Dar said: “It was asked where this constitutional amendment is coming from — this amendment is the government’s initiative. It is not landing by parachute from anywhere.”
He added that the government would continue consultations with partners and legal forums before moving forward with the amendment.
Dar said the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition was the responsibility of the Senate chairman, who makes the decision in his chamber, adding that the government had no objection or obstruction in this regard. –Agencies
