27th Amendment Bill sails through NA

Two-thirds majority
islamabad
The National Assembly has approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with additional amendments by a two-thirds majority.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had introduced six supplementary amendment in the House on Wednesday. With these additions, the Assembly approved all 59 clauses of the amendment. Following the approval of the supplementary amendments, the bill will now be sent back to the Senate for further consideration and approval.
Speaker of the National Assembly invited members to stand in support of the motion. Government and allied lawmakers rose in favour of the amendment, while four members opposed it. The motion was approved with 234 votes in favour and four against.
PM Shehbaz vows strong response to Pakistan’s enemies
Speaking on assembly floor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the National Assembly for showing unity and solidarity during the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying it strengthened the spirit of national cohesion and political harmony.
“I thank you for giving me the opportunity and for expressing such unity, which has promoted national cohesion and solidarity,” the prime minister said. “I congratulate this House on behalf of myself and all political leaders.”
The prime minister also paid tribute to late Senator Irfan Siddiqui, calling him “a lifelong teacher and mentor of mentors” who remained a devoted member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). “His association with Nawaz Sharif was exemplary,” he added, praying for Siddiqui’s soul and offering condolences to his family.
Turning to national security, Shehbaz strongly condemned terrorists attack on Wana Cadet College in North Waziristan, describing it as a “cowardly act” that revived painful memories of the 2014 Army Public School tragedy.
“These terrorists, unfortunately including individuals from Afghanistan, were all sent to hell,” the prime minister said. “All students and teachers were safely rescued, and I congratulate the entire nation and pay tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces.”
He noted that another terrorist incident occurred in Islamabad the same day, in which several Pakistanis, including lawyers, were martyred. “It is no longer hidden that there are foreign hands behind these attacks,” Shehbaz said. “When we stated that India and Afghanistan were involved, India dismissed it as false allegations — but we have already provided evidence to the world regarding the Jaffar Express incident, proving links with these countries.”
The prime minister vowed a strong response to Pakistan’s enemies. “I want to tell these enemies that we know your actions. We have given a fitting reply before, and we will do so again.”
Shehbaz Sharif said peace negotiations had been held in Doha and Turkiye, where Pakistan made a single demand: that the interim Afghan government prevent the use of its soil against Pakistan.
“Every day, our officers and soldiers lay down their lives. There can be no greater sacrifice than this,” he said. “We desire peace, and we want Afghanistan to join hands with Pakistan in promoting stability and regional cooperation.”
Earlier, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar concluded the debate on the amendment, describing constitutional reform as an “evolutionary process” undertaken with careful deliberation. He said the draft had been thoroughly reviewed and discussed with bar councils and bar associations across the country.
Tarar informed the House that the Senate’s joint committee had already endorsed the amendment with a two-thirds majority. He added that the changes sought to remove ambiguities concerning the office of the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
He added that the amendment confirms that Justice Yahya Afridi will continue as the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Minor revisions have also been made to Article 6, which now includes a reference to a constitutional court.
Earlier, Tarar confirmed that additional amendments will be brought to the 27th Constitutional Amendment. These supplementary changes will be presented in the National Assembly, with separate lists prepared for government and opposition proposals. Eleven opposition amendments have also been included on the agenda, government sources have said.
Sources within the judiciary told The Express Tribune that the Supreme Court and the chief justice’s titles to include Pakistan again. Government is reportedly conceding to public backlash.
Initial reports suggest changes to Article 6 clause 2A, which pertains to treason. Sources within the PPP told The Express Tribune that the name of the Federal Constitutional Court will also be included alongside the Supreme Court.
According to the proposed amendment, any act of treason mentioned in sub-clause one or two shall not be validated by any court, including the Federal Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, or the High Courts.